Reindeer are all the rage this Christmas, have you noticed? While I love me a reindeer, I didn’t really want to spend the money on a reindeer bust for the wall (is that even the right terminology) and, while the reindeer pillows are super cute, that a little more time-consuming than I wanted.
When I saw this cute, unfinished wood reindeer head of Micheal’s a plan started to develop. It was regularly $2.99 but I think it was 50%. Add in the cost of glitter and leftover burlap from a previous project, and on old reject frame from the back of our basement, and it ended up being a SUPER cheap project!
Materials:
- Unfinished wood reindeer head
- Acrylic Paint
- ModPodge
- Glitter
- Burlap
- Frame
Before I glittered the reindeer up, I painted it with red acrylic paint. It may not have been necessary, but since glitter sometimes “sheds,” I didn’t want any unfinished wood showing over time.
The best part of the this project and really the most time-consuming was making the unfinished wood sparkle! So much fun! I grabbed my homemade ModPodge and put a decent layer on the top of the wood. I worked in small sections so the ModPodge wouldn’t dry.
After applying the ModPodge, I generously covered it in glitter, shaking any excess free onto my paper below it. I got this little 4-pack of glitter out of the dollar bin at Michael’s and love it!
I kept repeating this process for the whole reindeer head, working very carefully around and under the metal holly leaves wince I wanted those to stay rustic.
Once that was done and drying, I went in search of a frame in the back of our basement. Over the years we have accumulated a rather large collection of unused frames. This was actually a mirror with a super hideous gold and faux-wood finished frame. SO UGLY! I couldn’t figure out why I would have bought this at all.
After I put the finished product on the mantle and commented on the ugly original frame to Ethan, he replied that it was actually HIS from childhood. After I removed my foot from my mouth, I apologized profusely.
Anyway, back to our story… I found the ugly frame and used sandpaper to get rid of the ugly dated faux wood finish, to expose more wood and gold. It actually turned out pretty cute, to my surprise!
Then I removed the backing and inserted burlap in the place of the mirror . I then placed a small nail in the center of the front of the frame and hung the sparkle reindeer.
Now, Sparkle Reindeer sits on our mantle and looks pretty darn cute!
What do you think? How do you dress up your unfinished wood?
As Always, thanks for reading!
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We linked up at: Home Stories A to Z, Savvy Southern Style, House on the Way, Mom on TIme Out, DIY Show Off
great project. If you paint a little brown nose on there it will be an inverse Rudolph.
HAHA, thats a cute idea! 🙂
This is too cute and would make adorable little gifts.
what a great idea! Thanks, Jen.
Beautiful! You’re so crafty (in all the right ways)!
Love this! I was thinking of switching out the artwork behind our sofa for Christmas but didn’t want to spend a lot of $$. Perfect solution.
I agree that these would make adorable gifts, as well. Need to search the thrift stores for frames.
DOn’t go to the Goodwill – their frames are always so expensive. I tend to stock up at summer yard sales. 🙂
I was at Hobby Lobby yesterday and say they were selling rather large framed pictures of Santa…with rather large price tags to match. I couldn’t believe people spend that much on something they can only display for a month or two. Especially when there are so many cute and easy projects like this one to copy!
This is so cute! I am totally in love with all the reindeer stuff floating around the blogosphere these days!
Me too, Shannah! Thanks so much!
woudl you consider making me one of the giant red signs on the floor that make a christmas tree with the words? i would be willing to pay for it and shipping costs
Hey Jennifer, I am posting about that sign tomorrow! Why don’t you check it out tomorrow and let me know if you are still interested and what you would want to pay, if so. Time is tight, but I am so flattered that you like it!
I almost feel like I’m in the south! Oh wait… that’s a reindeer, not a deer? hee hee… Just kidding… I absolutely LOVE this and it’s even better in person!
YES!! Back to the burlap!! Haha. It looks good, and I love the frame story. I think you’ve mentioned about your frame collection before but I can’t remember if you’ve ever posted pictures of it?
To funny !!! I had the same idea for my holiday mantel. Looks great and love the glitter.
Jocie – it’s darling! I love everything sparkly this time of year (well, most times! lol). I’m including a link back in this week’s highlights. Thanks so much for sharing your creativity!