The reindeer is one of the most iconic Christmas characters, and making one out of things you have on hand is a great idea! This unique wood log reindeer is totally fun to make, definitely unique and will look great in any number of ways during the holiday season decorating. Grab the supplies and have fun taking something from outside indoors with this great upcycled craft idea for Christmas!

Rustic Wood Log Reindeer

Sometimes nature is inspiring, and this is one of those crafts that I absolutely love seeing come from nature and turn into a unique craft that decorates your space beautifully. While kids could help with making this decoration, it is definitely something that is best made with adults supervising or managing.

If you like the idea of using logs or natural elements in your decorations, then you might also like this little rustic log Santa Claus decorations or even this rustic log owl. Both are great and while one is ideal for Christmas the other is a great idea for year-round decor.

What Can I Make the Antlers From?

The antlers are one of the bigger parts of a reindeer you want to get right. For this project, there are a number of things that work and are easy to use for turning the perfect decoration. I used a basic piece of foam paper in brown to create my antlers, but there are other ways you can are listed below.

Construction paper.
Cardstock.
Cardboard pieces.
Sticks and twigs.
Toilet paper or paper towel rolls.

You could even grab fake antlers from the holiday section of your local department store. There may be some fun reindeer headbands that could be taken apart and used as antlers on your log!

What Ways Can I Create My Reindeer Face?

The face of your reindeer is pretty basic with eyes, nose, and a smile, but there are a lot of ways you can make it unique. Depending upon how large you make this, you may want to use different items than I did. I used large googly eyes, a large pom pom, some greenery from outside, and a bit of ribbon for a bow. There are other ways to create your reindeer personality below!

Large stickers can be used for the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Pom poms, fabric, plastic balls, a clown nose, or felt can be used for the red nose.
Paint, markers, yarn, or ribbon can be used for the mouth.
Greenery, fake greenery, yarn, or even fake fur can all be used for the "hair" on the reindeer.

How Can I Decorate With This Reindeer?

One of my favorite things about this is that it can be used both inside and outside. You can use it on your mantle, as part of a holiday centerpiece, or just on your front porch. It is perfect on a window sill with a few different-sized reindeer or on your mantle. I like the idea of putting next to a Santa Claus decoration too!

The only thing you need to consider is that you may want to make sure what you use for the ears, eyes, and nose is waterproof or able to stay outside in the weather conditions. Otherwise, it is an ideal decoration idea for any place throughout your home or outside your home!

Do I Need to Clean the Log In Any Special Way Before Using?

While it doesn't have to be cleaned, I do like to take a moment to tap the log outside to remove extra dirt and debris. It's also a good idea to spray down with bug spray, bleach, or any kind of cleanser that would kill any small insects that may be hiding in the bark on the piece of wood. You can also purchase logs or fake logs in the craft stores that have been treated already to remove anything live that may have been carried in from when they were cut originally.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Log Reindeer

Cut and clean a log or piece of wood that is approximately 1' tall and 6" in diameter.

Glue the googly eyes about ¾ of the way from the bottom using hot glue.

Next, glue on the red pom pom just below the eyes to create the red nose for Rudolph.

Use a paint pen, paint, or permanent marker to draw a mouth just below the nose.

Tie a length of Christmas ribbon below the mouth to create a bow.

Glue a bundle of fresh or fake greenery on the top of the log to give the reindeer "hair".

Cut out two antlers from foam paper, then glue them to the top of the log, just behind the greenery.

Now you can display your reindeer!

More Christmas Decoration Ideas

If you want more fun ideas to make and use for your holiday decor, below are some of my favorites. Whether you want more reindeer, some Santa Claus, or just rustic decorations, below are a few of my favorites that add a unique look to your Christmas. Make sure you take the time to print the tutorials, pin them to Pinterest, or bookmark them so you can make them soon!

Yield: 1

Rustic Upcycled Wood Log Reindeer Christmas Decoration

Bring the outdoors inside with this adorable little idea turning a piece of log from a tree into a reindeer Christmas decoration! The perfect way to add Rudolph to your mantle this Christmas!

Active Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $1

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Cut and clean a log or piece of wood that is approximately 1' tall and 6" in diameter.
Glue the googly eyes about ¾ of the way from the bottom using hot glue.
Next, glue on the red pom pom just below the eyes to create the red nose for Rudolph.
Use a paint pen, paint, or permanent marker to draw a mouth just below the nose.
Tie a length of Christmas ribbon below the mouth to create a bow.
Glue a bundle of fresh or fake greenery on the top of the log to give the reindeer "hair".
Cut out two antlers from foam paper, then glue them to the top of the log, just behind the greenery.
Now you can display your reindeer!