Free Reindeer Scroll Saw Intarsia Pattern

Free Prancing Reindeer Scroll Saw Intarsia Pattern

This flying marvel will have no trouble getting up onto the rooftop

By Judy Gale Roberts in the Winter 2018 issue of Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts (#73) – Available in October. Subscribe to Scroll Saw Woodworking now! 

Flying reindeer are as essential to the holidays as Santa himself; songs, classic cartoons, and even poems pay homage to these sprightly creatures. This intarsia design, caught at the moment of takeoff, is my addition to the mythos.

For the most part, this is a simple design. Photocopy the patterns and cut the individual pattern pieces. If the grain direction and color are the same, like on the hind legs, cut the pattern to include both legs. When separating the legs, use a very small blade, such as a #0 or #1. Attach the pieces to the wood, and cut them out. Some will require intricate cutting, but most of the cuts are simple. To make the project even easier, before you cut the pieces for the eye and jingle bells, drill the holes marked on the pattern for the dowels.

Dry-assemble the pieces as you go to check the fit. Adjust as necessary; you might need to cut carefully along the line to remove any protrusions. Remove the patterns and number the bottom of each piece. Shape the pieces as desired. Drill a small hole in the upper part of the eye. Sharpen a small piece of white wood in a pencil sharpener, add a touch of glue to the hole in the eye, and insert the pointed wood into the hole. Cut off the excess and sand it smooth. Add the burned details with a woodburner. Hand-sand all of the pieces to remove any cross-grain scratches or pencil marks.

Apply a clear satin polyurethane finish, such as Old Masters©, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry and repeat twice more at eight-hour intervals. Assemble the project on a piece of paper lightly dusted with spray adhesive. Trace around the assembly, use spray adhesive to attach the tracing to the backing material, and then cut inside the lines. Carefully glue the pieces to the backing board using Aleene’s© tacky glue, starting with a few exterior parts to lock the project in place. Let the assembly dry, find the balance point, and attach a D-ring hanger to the back.

Find the full Prancing Reindeer Intarsia project and another reindeer pattern by Judy in the Winter 2018 issue of Scroll Saw Woodworking and Crafts (#73) – Available in October. Subscribe to Scroll Saw Woodworking now!