How to Make An Interlocking Wooden Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is a "must have" during Christmas time. Every child of every age loves Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. Here is a fairly simple little wooden interlocking sort of puzzle like Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for you to create. These also make great gifts!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 7" X 14" of 3/4" thick piece of wood
• Two sheets of paper
• Pencil
• Scroll saw or jig saw
• Sander or sand paper
• Stain
• Rubber gloves
• Small craft paint brush
• Red, black & white craft paint
• 18" red ribbon
• 1 small jingle bell

1. 
    
   Make patterns

   Trace the four wooden parts that make up this Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer on two 8" X 11" sheets of paper. Make patterns for two sets of legs, one body and one set of antlers. Enlarge photo to see how the patterns look. Cut the paper patterns out and trace onto the wood with a pencil. You may also use a picture of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer from a child's coloring book to create your pattern.

2. 
    
   Cut with saw

   Using a scroll saw or a jig saw, carefully cut out the four wooden parts of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's body.

3. 
    
   Sand until smooth

   Sand all of the edges including the top and bottom of each of the four wooden parts until nice and smooth. Brush off the sawdust with a clean cloth.

4. 
    
   Stain wood

   Wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands, stain the four wooden parts of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's body.

5. 
    
   Paint face & red nose

   You need black, red and white craft paint. When the stained wood has completely dried, using a small craft paint brush, paint the red nose, eyes and smile on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's head. Turn the wooden head over, then paint the other side in the same manner.

6. 
    
   Paint tummy white

   With white craft paint, paint the underneath part of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's tummy.

7. 
    
   Add legs

   When craft paint is completely dry, set the body onto the two leg pieces by interlocking the wood where you made the slots.

8. 
    
   Ribbon & jingle bell

   Take the 18" of red ribbon and thread the jingle bell onto it. Tie a cute little bow as shown in picture.

9. 
    

   Slip the ribbon with the jingle bell on it over Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's head and drop it around his neck.

10. 
     
    Add antlers

    Set the antlers on the top of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer's head where the two pieces interlock.

11. 
     
    Finished project

    Now you have your very own wooden Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer to enjoy or give as a gift!

Tips & Warnings

• You may make different sizes of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer by adjusting the sizes of your patterns.

[ajsyrup]

on 10/22/2009 where do i get the pattern for this?

[LilacGirl]

on 1/7/2009 Thanks for the wonderful idea! Maybe I can get some of these made before next Christmas! Good article and terrific photos as always.

[TeacherKelly]

on 12/25/2008 Cute! I've always wanted a jig saw for projects like these. Maybe some day I'll break down and buy one.

[MeganK]

on 12/16/2008 Very cute!

[judlee]

on 12/14/2008 These directions will go right to my husband--the guy with all the woodworking tools in the garage. I bet he can still get some made before Christmas. Thank you!