Happy Friday! I have been having lots of fun bringing out our Christmas decorations over the past week and it is definitely starting to look like Christmas around here! I still have a few boxes to go, but hopefully most of the decorating will be done by the end of the weekend.
Today I am teaming up again with some of my favorite Canadian bloggers and inspiring you to go a little rustic this year with 13 DIY rustic Christmas projects.
You can find a link to everyone’s projects at the end of the post, but first, I am going to share my deer head string art with you.
I have been wanting to do a string art project for a while and I definitely have a “thing” for deer heads, so this was the perfect project for me. It was a little more time consuming than I was initially planning on, but definitely any easy project to do.
MATERIALS
- piece of wood cut to your desired size {mine was 11×14}
- dark walnut wood stain
- reindeer head print
- linoleum nails
- hammer
- embroidery thread
Once your board is dried and stained, place your printed design over the board and start hammering in your nails along the lines. If I did this project again, I would definitely leave a bit more space between my nails to simply cut down on time, but once I started with this distance, there was no turning back!
After more than a few hits to my fingers, I finally discovered the easiest way to nail them in. These mini wire cutters worked perfectly to help hold those little nails in place and gave a good grip if I needed to bend the nail a bit.
Once you are {finally!} done nailing all of the nails in, tie some embroidery thread to one of the nails and string away. There was really no rhyme or reason to how I did mine – I just started in the bottom corner and worked my way along. Just make sure that you end up with a solid outline along the outside of the nails. If you miss a spot you can always go back – there really is no messing up this part!
And to give it a bit more of that rustic glam flavor, I added this cute silver glitter dot garland from May Arts.
I think I might just have to add a little sparkling red glitter nose to him for Christmas! 🙂
For more rustic Christmas inspiration, be sure to check out these posts. I know you will love them!
Santa Cookies from A Pretty Life in the Suburbs / Deer Head String Art from Clean and Sentsible
Vintage Door Advent from The DIY Mommy / Rag Ribbon Christmas Trees from Craftberry Bush
Rustic Christmas Tree from Fynes Designs /Christmas Window Box from Echoes of Laughter
Ribbon Napkin Rings from Suburble / Vintage Table Setting from The Sweetest Digs
Twig Stars and Snowflakes from The DIY Dreamer /Pretty Gift Wrapping from The Sweetest Escape
Rustic Wreath from North Story / Wood Block Presents from The Happy Housie
Winter Swag from Satori Design for Living
I have yet to attempt to make string art! Thanks so much for the tutorial! I absolutely LOVE the reindeer, beautiful! Pinned!
This String art rocks my world! I absolutely LOVe it! Great job
Jenn this is fantastic! I had this idea that these were so complicated to make…now that I see yours and how gorgeous it is I think I need one! LOVE it!
I love this…and I also thought they were confusing to make, but now I see it’s not so…thank you so much for the tutorial…xo
This is amazing Jennifer! These definitely seem sooo complicated but yours turned out fabulous and it seems “possible” after reading your tutorial 😉
That is really cute and can be used at other times in the year too, not just at Christmas.
Thanks Grace! Yes, I love decorations that will work year round!
How do you remove the paper without leaving pieces behind? Love this btw.
It just tears quite easily away. I had to use a knife to get out a few pieces but it was really quick! 🙂
Jenn – this looks SO good! What an amazing project, lady! I love how it turned out!
It turned out great! GIGGLE!
Looks great, Jenn! I can imagine how pain-staking it was, but so worth it, right?
I love this! I have a thing for deer heads and antlers too – especially at this time of year. Love that garland too!
Really amazing project Jenn! You are so talented! Great tip about the pliers too! Have a wonderful week! Angie xo
I absolutely LOVE this reindeer! Catches me eye every time I see it on a link-up or photo. Just beautiful! It’s great to “meet” another Canadian blogger too!
Thanks Lindi! It’s always great meeting other Canadian bloggers!! I’ll have to drop by your blog. 🙂
Hi Jenn!! This is perhaps my favourite project for the Christmas season so far this year! I love it!! Sharing it on my FB page and pinning:) Fun to be on this blog hop with you- sorry it took me so long to get over here. We had a crazy couple of weeks:(
Thanks so much Krista! Sorry you have had such a crazy couple of weeks. I STILL have a few projects to get to!!
Jenn, I love this… is there a link to the pattern of the deer head.
I tried to find the pattern again when I did the post but there were SO many I couldn’t find it! Just google search “deer head silhouette” and a ton of options will be available to you!
So cute! Thanks for sharing! Also, wanted to let you know I have a link party on Wednesday, hope to see you there! Can’t wait to party with you at https://homeschoolapalooza.wordpress.com 🙂
I love string art! A friend of mine made me a string art feather for my birthday and I am obsessed. I can’t wait to try this tutorial out – How perfect for Christmas! I’ve included this post in my DIY Christmas Decor roundup on my blog today 🙂
Thanks so much for including it! I bet the feather looks awesome!
Aaah this is too cute!
Too bad I found it too late for Christmas. Pinning it for my next Holiday projects 🙂
Just look at as early planning for this year! 😉
Me and my family always get excited about Christmas way too early. I was browsing Pinterest for new ideas on Christmas decorations and ended up on your page. This deer looks cute and would look great if we place it above the fireplace. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get down to business. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tutorial!
We get started early too! Have fun with the project!
Just wondering where to get the print for the reindeer head print that’s listed in materials.
I just googled deer head image and picked one. I tried to go back and find the exact one to link to the post, but I couldn’t find it. You’ll have lots to choose from though!
Hi Jenn…so very cool…we love this and would like to share it in our new holiday decorations post…I’ll get a link sent over as soon as it’s live
Jamie
Thanks Jamie!
You’re very welcome, we hope you like it.
Happy Holidays