Step-by-step photos by Bob Duncan

Carve this rustic deer as a stand-alone project or size the pattern to create the perfect complement to your favorite carved Santa. Use twigs for the antlers to add to the rustic charm and simplify the carving process.

I use knives, chisels, and gouges to carve the deer, leaving the tool marks visible. Use power carving tools or sand away the tool marks and woodburn fur texture for a more realistic reindeer.

Create a herd of deer and give one a red nose in honor of Santa’s favorite reindeer, Rudolph. Add leather reins and position the deer in front of a sleigh for a dramatic mantel display.

The pattern for this reindeer is based on drawings in Doug Lindstrand’s Alaska Sketchbook, available from Fox Chapel, www.FoxChapelPublishing.com.

See Woodcarving Illustrated Holiday 2009 issue #49 for additional step-by-step instructions for completing this project.