GINORMAS Holiday Reindeer Aka Rudolph

Hey everyone!

Happy Holidays 2011!

I seen this design in a pattern catalog that I received in the mail.
I thought, I can build that!

So, rather then buy the plans, I have Sketchup and thought I would try and design it myself.
Broaden my Sketchup skills.
I did post my Sketchup model here:
Sketchup Reindeer


You can PURCHASE the plans here:
The Winfield Collection GINORMAS Reindeer

I am no way affiliated with that company.

If you like my instructable, please take a second and vote for me!

Materials needed:

6 Sheets 4' x 8' 3/4" plywood
Jigsaw
Oribital sander (or your muscles)

Paint (color of choice, I choose white)
Primer
Red spray paint

2 turnbuckles
1/8" guy wire (50')
8 guy wire clamps
4 anchor hooks
4 screw eyes
Corner brackets and screws

Saw horses (to hold the plywood, while cutting)

Xmas lights of your choice
I choose red and white.
Red of course, for the nose!

You could free hand draw the Deer, but I preferred to use my trusty overhead projector.
That way, I get everything in correct proportions.

Get the Sketchup file and convert it to vectors. (you will need the Pro version of Sketchup)
Once you have the vectors printed.
I made a transparency with my laser copier.
Then I projected it onto the plywood.
I used a pencil to outline the deer parts.

If you do not have Sketchup Pro, you can use the .jpg above.
Just make copies from that, or trace it out with a vector program.
You could grid it out, too!

Now onto the next step...

I cut all the parts with my Bosch jigsaw.
I used a plywood blade.
I wish my CNC could do a 4" x 8' sheet!

After cutting, I gave a quick sand, with my orbiter sander.
You could just hand sand it too! Watch for slivers!

When you cut the slots, make them so it is a good tight fit.
Rather have a little tight fit then a loose fit.
Use another scrap board to test the slots.
I did cut the slots last.

You will also want to drill the holes for the head to mount on the body.
I lined up both parts and clamped them.
Then, drill out the holes for the lag bolts.

I used angle brackets on the legs and antlers.

I had a lot of scraps left over. (see last picture)

Next step...

I primed the parts first.
Seeing it is going to be in the outdoors, you will definitely want to prime the deer.

Then I used a GLOSS white to paint the deer.
But, I suppose you could use your color of choice!

I added the angle brackets at this time, too!

The final paint was the red on Rudolph's nose.
I just used spray paint for that!

I bought my LED lights.
I choose RED and WHITE.

I had to dismantle the white set to except the red lights for the nose.
It was just a matter of pulling the white lights out and replacing with red lights.
I had to extend the cords from the nose to the antlers.

I painted the cords, too!
Spray paint!

I had to construct a holder for the spotlight.
Pictures say a 1000 words.

Assembly of the deer takes at least 2 people.
A third hand would have been better!

We put the legs together first.
Then put together the head with the antlers.
You will need some lag bolts and washers, to connect the head to the body.
I used 2" lag bolts.

Make sure your lights work, because once it is installed. It is way to high to fix.
Then we lagged the bottom bolt on the head, and pulled the head up with a rope. (if you look close you can see the rope)
Once in position, the other person will put the rest of the lag bolts in.

We added a bow and ribbon around the neck!

Then I did any touch-ups that were needed. (trusty white spray paint)

You will want to wire down the deer.
As a good gust of wind could knock it over.

I used the 1/8" guy wire with turnbuckles.
The turnbuckles make it, so you can tighten the wires.

I happened to find a good deal on the clasps.
They were $4 clasp and I got them for 93cents.

Pictures of the finished deer!

I did screw down the front legs on the roof, to prevent it from moving.

Timer is set for the lights.
On at 5pm, Off at 11pm.

Some nite shots!



I hope you enjoyed my instructable!

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