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This DIY Tree Branch Reindeer is a fun, creative holiday project that you will love! These make great DIY holiday gifts, porch decorations, or a cute addition to a holiday vignette!

One of my favorite parts of holiday shopping is finding a little something to add to our Holiday Village. We’re reducing our shopping as much as possible, though, so I figured this year would have to be the exception.

Now our village has been up for about a week, and it was just screaming for some new life! Instead of ordering something online, I decided we should make something for it instead! These happy little reindeer with wild stick antlers are the perfect, unique addition for 2020.

While you’re looking for the perfect antlers, why not make it a family activity with this neat scavenger hunt from the Sharing Scholar? Everyone gets some fresh air, you get the perfect limbs for the project, and the kids can practice their counting, sorting, and pattern-making skills!

Materials Needed for Tree Branch Reindeer

Tree limb: you will need varying widths, so make sure you have a fatter portion for the body and thinner portions for the legs, neck and antlers.
Miter saw
sander
Drill
Tooth picks
Zip tie

How do you make a DIY Branch Reindeer?

These cute DIY Branch Reindeer are simple to make. The reindeer are comprised of a few different parts: the legs, body, neck, head and antlers. Below you will find detailed step by step photos as well as a video, but this project is basically split up into a few simple steps:

Cut the body, the widest portion of your reindeer, using a miter saw. The piece should be approximately 2 inches in diameter and 3-4 inches long.
Cut the head, the second widest portion of your reindeer. This piece should be approximately 1 inch in diameter, and 2 inches long.
Using a small drill bit, drill 4 holes for the legs in the body. Drill a fifth hole for the neck on the opposite side of the reindeer.
Secure the legs and neck by using a smaller, thinner portion of the limb.
Use a sander to create a white face (as pictured), drill two small holes for the antlers, secure the head to the neck and add the antlers.

What sort of branch do you use to make reindeer?

You can use any sort of branch you wish for this project. I used a birch branch because I love the interesting texture it adds. However, you can use any sort of branch you have available.

Easy DIY Holiday Decorations

I have a growing catalog of easy DIY projects! Some of my favorite types of projects to do are holiday inspired because it gives an extra cozy touch! My favorite DIY Birch Branch Candlesticks are another each project that you can create using a tree branch. You can make these in varying sizes, widths and heights to create a dramatic look. These are great for DIY party decor, or a holiday centerpiece. Some other projects include:

Add a little rustic charm to your home with this Birch Branch Candle Holder. You can customize the length, style and candle placement to create the perfect farmhouse look for your home!

These DIY Birch Candlesticks are the ultimate easy and inexpensive farmhouse decor! These rustic candlesticks make a beautiful holiday, party or wedding centerpiece!

This DIY Birch Branch Wreath is the perfect way to affordably get the farmhouse look for any room in your home!

DIY Birch Branch Centerpiece: easily customize the length or number of candles to match your style.
DIY Branch Wreath: A great base wreath that you can change with the seasons.
Gratitude Centerpiece: a great way to get kids involved.

5 from 1 vote

DIY Branch Reindeer

We will put together a set of instructions to help you build some deer for your Christmas decorations.

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Course: DIY

Author: Farmlife DIY

Cost: $5-$10

Equipment

Miter saw
Sander
Drill
Tooth picks
Zip Tie

Materials

1 tree limb

Instructions

Step 1. Create the body sections using a miter saw. I will be working with both 3 and 4 inch long body sections that are 2 inch diameter. The head will be about 2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2. To drill the legs, neck and antler holes. Use a few drill bits, gradually building up the size hole that holds the pieces securely. Smaller bits are easier to control as they enter the wood.
Step 3. Secure the body section before you drill the hole for the legs and later the neck. I had four tooth pics available to help me better duplicate the angle and depth of each hole.
Step 4. Now it is time to install the legs. I used branches from the original limb that supplied the body section. I also used a toothpick as a measuring stick for starters to gauge the length of the legs.
Step 5. Once all four legs are installed it’s time to see if your deer can stand or do the length of some legs adjusting.
Step 6. Now return the deer body to the vice and decide where and what angle you want the neck to be located.
Step 7. Now it’s time to fit a branch for the neck and then you are ready to finish the head.
Step 8. I used the belt sander placed in the vice to remove some of the bark from the head to create a white face. I used the front roller edge of the sander for this task, it helped create a nature bridge for the noise.
Step 9. Secure the head in the vice with the face facing down. Drill a hole for the neck to hold the head in place. Turn the head over face up and drill much smaller holes in the head for antlers. Finishing the face with eyes and nose is optional.