Driftwood and Twig Reindeer Ornament

Try decorating with this easy-to-make Christmas reindeer ornament made of twigs and driftwood.

Making Christmas ornaments is a one of my favorite Christmas traditions. I used to make Christmas ornaments with my mom as a child, and I have continued the tradition with my own children. Rediscovering old handmade ornaments makes you so nostalgic. Sometimes their raggedy appearance after all those years makes them even more precious.

This year I decided to continue the tradition with this handsome driftwood and twig reindeer.

Things You’ll Need

  • Driftwood (or branches) and twigs
  • X-acto knife or carving tool
  • Miter saw or small handsaw
  • Drill (optional)
  • Small screwdriver
  • Hot glue
  • Twine
  • Toothpick (optional)
  • Nail gun (optional)

When planning out the shape of the reindeer, look for thicker pieces for the torso and the head. For the limbs, choose pieces that have a natural curvature.

Decide what areas need to be cut, and mark them with a pencil (arrows indicate where I cut).

You can leave the pieces as they are, or if you wish, you can give them additional shape by carving them out a little. For the head, I decided to trim the front a little. If you are using driftwood, you will find that it is extremely easy to carve.

When you are happy with the shape of the head, drill a small hole on the top of the head. Because the driftwood is so soft, I simply used a screwdriver to poke a hole.

Start assembling the body by hot gluing the torso to the neck and the head. I found that the hot glue worked fine as a way of bonding the pieces, but if you would like to reinforce it, use a nail gun to attach the pieces after they have been glued.

Using pieces with a natural curvature will make the limbs more realistic. You can add a little more shape by simply shaving down the front side of the hoof.

I also carved a little scoop where the leg attaches to the torso. This helps the glue to bond.

Attach the limbs.

For the ears, I used some of my birch bark left over from this project. Just cut it into a tear shape (not pictured).

It is now time to attach the twine by which it will hang. Just place some hot glue into the drilled hole.

With a toothpick or small screwdriver, insert the twine, forming a loop.

At this time you will also glue the antlers to the top of the head.

Add the tail…

And you now have a handsome reindeer to adorn your tree and keep the handmade ornament tradition going in your family.

Notice that you can omit the twine all together and make it into a small sculpture to display.

Should you have any questions or need clarification , please leave a comment below or send me an email to craftberrybush@yahoo.com. I will respond as soon as I can.