How To Make Wooden Reindeer - DIY Rustic Deer Building Fun!

Getting crafty with wood. How to make wooden reindeer to give as a heartfelt handmade gift, to sell at the local craft fair or garden center, or just a fun project for yourself; this video shows how I build my popular rustic reindeer including all the materials & dimensions.

Building these wooden critters is easy, fun and you don't need many tools. Chances are for the average DIY'er or homeowner out there, you already have all the tools you need which include:

A Hand Saw/s (I like pull saws the best) :
Basic Gardening/Camping Folding Pull Saw: https://amzn.to/3NhlKG0
Japanese Pull Saw: https://amzn.to/3V7Klkr

A Simple 10mm (3/8") electric drill:
https://amzn.to/47JLK53
I still primarily use a corded drill on this project for the added torque needed with larger wood bits and tenon cutters. A high voltage strong cordless drill will work too.

An assortment of wood drill bits (1" & 5/8" specifically).
Spade Bit Set: https://amzn.to/3TaJteX
Forester Bit Set: https://amzn.to/4a7TwYe

A utility or wood working/whittling knife.
https://amzn.to/3TbNaAT

Dress Up Your Rustic Reindeer With These Fun Accessories:

Black Buttons For Eyes:
https://amzn.to/4e936vn
Googly Eyes:
https://amzn.to/3XOi9oy
Christmas Bows:
https://amzn.to/3TyxV4s
Christmas Scarves:
https://amzn.to/4ewGzbW
1.5 Inch Checker Pieces For Noses:
https://amzn.to/3ZD0lyh
1.5 & 2.0 Inch Fuzzy Pom-Poms for Noses:
https://amzn.to/4ec41v1

Tools for the more serious rustic wooden reindeer maker?
If you're going to be making lots of rustic wooden reindeer, then you might want to invest in these additional tools that will save you time and enable you to build with more consistency.

First time saving tool/s I could not do without when building my own rustic deer are round tenon cutters. The two size tenon cutters I primarily use when I build my rustic reindeer are 1" for the legs, neck, tail; and 5/8" inch for the ears:
1" - https://amzn.to/47H4TEO
5/8" - https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/...

Special Green Wood Bits for faster hole drilling in unseasoned wood:
https://www.leevalley.com/en-gb/shop/...

As shown in the video, a 12" miter/chop saw also comes in handy to save time if you are making a whole bunch of these little rustic rascals:
https://amzn.to/4fNjK4L

An angle grinder & sanding discs are great for quickly shaping wood and removing bark:
4.5" Grinder: https://amzn.to/41cbQv3
4.5" Sanding Discs: https://amzn.to/3Rtemdb

I could not live with my trusty B&D Workmate:
https://amzn.to/489hhx6
I can move the workmate wherever I need it, and since I usually build all my rustic wooden reindeer outside; having something that is both portable and can hold all the pieces securely when drilling or shaping is very convenient and adds safety to the overall project.

Chainsaw (gas, electric or cordless - your choice)
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/cha...
I've been using a Stihl Farmboss around the acreage for tree clearing and firewood cutting for over a decade now - very useable & reliable saw.
Amazon Chainsaw Options:
https://amzn.to/4gJ5RWa

Video Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:32 Gathering Wood
1:25 Cutting Wood
3:01 Building the Body
8:57 Building the Head
15:03 Tail & Finishing Touches

DISCLAIMER: As with any DIY project, you assume all risks when taking on such a project, including but not limited to, the risks involved when using saws, knives drills, etc.
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!

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