Rudolph the Wooden Reindeer

Skill Level: Experienced

Create a festive addition to your Christmas decorations with this fun wooden reindeer.

If you’re looking for a fun and unique decoration for your garden or home, our charming wooden Rudolph is a perfect choice. Follow our tutorial step-by-step to make your own.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1. Download And Print The Reindeer Stencil

Download the reindeer stencil PDF and print. The stencil is A1 size, so if you have an A4 printer it will need to be printed as separate A4 pages. To do this, select the ‘tile’ option in the print dialogue menu before you print. Your printer will then print out the stencil as 8 separate A4 pages. Alternatively, you can take the stencil file to a local printing shop.

 

Step 2. Tape The Stencil Together

Using masking tape, stick the separate A4 sheets together.

 

Step 3. Cut Out The Template

With a sharp knife, cut out the template elements.

 

Step 4. Tape The Template To The Plywood

Stick all elements to the plywood with masking tape to ensure they stay in place.

Step 5. Draw Around The Template

Carefully draw around all elements of the template. These will be your cutter lines.

 

Step 6. Mark The Reindeer’s Eye

Mark the centre of the eye with your spade bit. You will use this later in the project when drilling the hole for the eye.

 

Step 7. Insert A Timber Cutting Blade

Your plywood is now marked. Insert a timber cutting blade into your jigsaw.

 

Step 8. Adjust Autoselect

If you are using an Autoselect Jigsaw, select the curved lines settings using the Autoselect dial.

Step 9. Cut Around The Template

Carefully cut around the template.

 

Step 10. Prepare To Assemble

You now have all of the separate reindeer stencil parts. Get ready to finish and assemble.

 

Step 11. Smooth The Edges

Use a sander to smooth the edges for a nice finished look.

 

Step 12. Cut A Hole For The Reindeer’s Eye

Cut out a hole for the eye using your drill and a spade bit.

Step 13. Assemble The Reindeer’s Body

Start to assemble the body of the reindeer. Make sure you use the wider legs as the back legs. These will add extra stability.

 

Step 14. Get Creative

Get creative – Paint or varnish your reindeer as you wish. You may want to use waterproof paint if you’re planning to let this reindeer stay in your snowy garden.

 

Step 15. Attach The Antlers

Apply wood glue to attach the antlers and slot them into place. Make sure the glue is completely dry. Always follow pack instructions.

Step 16. All Finished

Finished! You can now add any other decoration to it as you wish.