DIY Tabletop Reindeer (Easy Scrap Wood Project)

Add some holiday magic to your home with this DIY tabletop reindeer made from scrap wood. Easy step-by-step instructions and free pattern included!

DIY wooden tabletop reindeer on a table in front of a Christmas tree

Why wait for St. Nick to bring the holiday cheer,
When you can make your own tabletop reindeer?

Using scrap wood, oh what fun to create,
Festive decor to grace your mantel or tablescape.

So grab your free template and your tools of the trade,
And follow along as we make a reindeer parade.

From a humble piece of wood, create a magical sight,
A DIY reindeer to cherish for many a winter’s night!

Inspiration for This Wooden DIY Tabletop Reindeer
What Tools Do You Need?
What Wood Should You Use?
How Do You Draw the Reindeer Shape?
How Do You Finish the Tabletop Reindeer?
How to Make a DIY Tabletop Reindeer
Get the Free Plan

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase from these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Visit my site policies for more information.

Inspiration for This Wooden DIY Tabletop Reindeer

I mentioned in this tutorial that I recently visited an estate sale while traveling. The home, belonging to a woodworker with a crafts business, was filled with his creations and patterns he used to make his projects.

I wanted to buy everything, but I was too far from home. Instead, I chose a few small projects to share with you, including a template for a tabletop reindeer. I traced the pattern, making minor changes to its size and shape.

Here’s what I came up with: a wooden reindeer with interlocking legs and antlers that stands on its own. It’s perfect for Christmas or to use throughout the winter, and you can customize it any way you like to complement your decor.

Two wood DIY reindeer on a table with a Christmas tree in the background

What Tools Do You Need?

I used a scroll saw to make my DIY tabletop reindeer. I also used a portable spindle sander to smooth the curves and a file to fine-tune the interlocking joints, but you could use sandpaper instead.

Closeup of a DIY tabletop reindeer's legs

What Wood Should You Use?

I used pine for my deer because I had scraps left over from another project, and it’s a softwood that’s easy to sand and shape. However, you can use any wood type you like.

How Do You Draw the Reindeer Shape?

I’ve included a free reindeer template in the printed plan. You can print it out and trace it onto the wood. It’s that easy!

Closeup of a DIY tabletop reindeer's antlers

How Do You Finish the Tabletop Reindeer?

I left my deer natural, but you can paint, stain, or decorate yours however you like, adding glitter, ribbon, or other festive touches for extra holiday flair.

DIY Tabletop Reindeer

Printed Plan

Get the FREE plan here (includes detailed instructions, measurements, and bonus tips)

Supplies

Wood (per the printed plan)
Carbon Paper (optional)
Manilla Folder and Spray Adhesive (optional)

Tools

Scroll Saw
Portable Spindle Sander (optional)
Rasp or file (optional)

Step 1. Trace the Pattern

Print the template at the end of the plan.

TIP: When printing the template, make sure the scale is set to 100%.

You can trace the pattern by placing carbon paper between the printed template and the wood. Then, trace the template’s lines with a pen or pencil, transferring the design onto the wood.

If you don’t have carbon paper, you can attach the pattern to a stiff material, such as a manila folder or cereal box, using spray adhesive and cut it out with scissors. The material’s edge acts as a guide for your pencil to trace around.

I placed my pattern on the wood, temporarily attached it with painter’s tape, and traced it with a pencil.

Tracing a DIY tabletop reindeer's let pattern onto a piece of wood

Step 2. Cut the Parts

I cut out the deer’s body, legs, and antlers using a scroll saw. For best results, I recommend cutting slightly outside the line and then fine-tuning your cut by sanding up to it. Leaving a narrow margin around the pencil line is especially important for the interlocking legs and antlers, as it will ensure a snug fit.

NOTE: Don’t worry if your interlocking legs don’t fit together. I’ll show you how to adjust them in Step 3.

I used a fine-toothed, 18.5 teeth per inch (TPI) blade, resulting in smooth cuts and easy maneuverability around the reindeer’s delicate curves.

Using a scroll saw to cut out a wooden shape

Smoothing the deer’s curved edges is the fastest and easiest with a portable spindle sander, but you can also smooth them using sandpaper if you don’t have one.

Next, I used sandpaper to round the reindeer’s sharp edges and contour body parts, such as the antlers and knees, making them appear smaller, as they would in nature.

Using sandpaper to smooth a DIY tabletop reindeer's antlers

Step 3. Assemble the Tabletop Deer

As I mentioned earlier, when cutting, it’s best to leave a small margin around the pencil line, ensuring a snug fit for the interlocking parts.

I wanted a friction fit, when two parts are held together by pressure rather than glue or fasteners. This way, I could disassemble the deer, making it easier to store, but you can use glue if you want.

Because I cut outside my pencil lines, my interlocking legs didn’t fit together.

First, I attempted to interlock each part, noting where it got stuck.

Then, using my grandfather’s file (a rasp would also work), I removed small amounts of wood until the pieces fit snugly together. You can also use sandpaper, but I found it was easier to keep the opening square using a file.