DIY Rustic Reindeer Lawn Ornaments: Step-by-Step Guide Using Logs and Branches by Emily Fazio

Introduction

Stand out from inflatable decorations with these rustic, charming reindeer crafted by Emily Fazio. They blend seamlessly with seasonal front porch decor, add playfulness to garden beds, or peek from behind trees in your yard. Versatile for any home style, these durable ornaments last for years. Perfect for using leftover logs, this straightforward DIY project is ideal for craft enthusiasts.

Step 1

Emily FazioFrom: Emily Fazio

Gather Trunks and Branches

Befriend a lumberjack or save logs from felled trees on your property. For each reindeer, select a large log (10-12” diameter, 18-24” long) for the torso. Choose a smaller log or heavy branch (4-6” diameter) for the head, cutting it to 10” with a hacksaw. Opt for manageable weights. For antlers, gather twigs 1/4”-1/2” thick.

Step 2

Emily FazioFrom: Emily Fazio

Stain and Cut Dowels

Select a dark stain matching your logs' color and apply evenly to the dowels (pegs). Cut into four 14” lengths for legs and one 6” for the neck per reindeer.

Pro Tip

Natural branches for legs and neck sound appealing, but fallen ones are often brittle or rotten and can't support the logs' weight. Green branches dry out over time. Branches vary in size, complicating uniform fits. Dowels ensure consistency, matching your drill bit perfectly—the smartest choice Emily made for sturdy reindeer.

Step 3

Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

From: Emily Fazio

Drill Holes for Legs and Neck

Using a cordless drill with a 1-1/4” bit, drill four holes in the log's belly for legs. Angle perpendicular to the ground or slightly outward for stability. On the same end, evenly spaced above leg holes, drill one for the neck. Drill a matching hole in the head log.

Step 4

Emily FazioFrom: Emily Fazio

Assemble with Wood Glue

Insert legs into leg holes and neck into neck hole. Tight-fitting dowels may need minimal glue, but coat each hole's interior with wood glue using a finger or brush for a secure bond.

Step 5

From: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Add Antlers to the Head

Select scaled antlers from your twigs. Drill two holes atop the head with a 3/16” or 5/16” bit. Apply wood glue to branch ends and insert.

Step 6

From: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Stage in Your Yard and Enjoy

Position your reindeer and prepare to share how simple this DIY was with neighbors.