Wood Sleigh

Free plans to build a wood sleigh!

Additional Photos

About Project

Author Notes:

Hello! I hope you had a wonderful Turkey day!

You know we were really hoping to get at least one Mom moved into the Momplex by Thanksgiving ... but that didn't happen. So guess who got stuck with the turkey in the oven? Thanks for your tips on cooking the turkey, I am so proud to report that we got raving reviews! Never hurts to take a whole block of butter and rub it on top of anything, does it? (Of course Grandma came over and made it all happen anyway).

Well, I got so busy cooking and then cleaning afterwards this weekend, I did not get a chance to post as I usually do a Happy Thanksgiving post. May I still wish you a very belated but Happy Thanksgiving? We really got to get that Momplex done, don't we?

And we have a very cute little plan for you today. Does your family do "Elf on a Shelf?" It usually starts right after Thanksgiving, but there's still time if you don't! My friend Rebecca wrote me saying her family was starting Elf on the Shelf this year, and she wanted to build a wood sleigh for the Elf. And she wanted to share plans with you!

Isn't this wood sleigh simply darling?

Another idea? Why not wrap up little boxes of gifts and stack to make an advent calendar?

Or use it for your Christmas Card photo? Can you get any cuter than that?????

Here's from Rebecca:

We are introducing an elf to our Christmas family this year. I love traditions and fun things I can do with my kids. I have it all planned out and wanted a cute special way to have the elf arrive at our home. My mom had a Santa sleigh decoration that I loved growing up. It looks so cute with a little Santa in it and a few little gift wrapped packages. I knew I wanted to make one if I could. I was going to get it done on my own but thought I would email Ana and see if she wanted to draw up a plan for everyone to enjoy. She is amazing and did it super quick.

The plan is fairly quick but takes a bit of sanding to get the details to look nice and smooth. I did complete this with a jigsaw but some of the angles are pretty tight. It might be easier with a band saw. The entire thing is wood but I painted the "legs" with a metalic paint. I think it is so stinking cute I love it. It fits just right for my little elf, or for some 25 days if Christmas envelopes. Or it is pretty stinking cute with a little 5 month old along for the ride!

This one is all Rebecca! And it's beautiful, so please give a huge thanks to Rebecca for sharing the plans with you! Thank you Rebecca!

Enjoy the plans!

Dimensions

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

Dimensions shown above.

Materials and Tools

Shopping List:

1 - 1x12 @ 3 feet long (you can use plywood here too)
1 - 1x8 @ 2 feet long (any width board or plywood could be used - just keep the widths consistent - shown in plan with 1x8 width)
1 1/4" screws or finish nails and glue will do the trick

Tools:

measuring tape

pencil

safety glasses

hearing protection

jigsaw

nailer

countersink drill bit

Cut List

Cut List:

2 - 1x12 @ 18" (or 2 3/4" plywood @ 18" x 11 1/4")
1 - 1x8 @ 7" (bottom)
1 - 1x8 @ 8" (longest point, cut bottom edge at 30 degrees BEVEL off square)
1 - 1x8 @ 3" (longest point, cut bottom edge at 15 degrees BEVEL off square)

NOTE: If you don't have a miter saw, these edges could be cut square - you'll never see a difference on the outside, but the insides won't match up perfectly)

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

PDF

Plan PDF:

3154818061_1353958169.pdf [2]

Step 1

Start by printing out this diagram and tracing on to your 1x12. You don't have to cut it out, you can just use a ball point pen over the paper, pressing firmly. It will leave a small indent in the wood.

Set your printer to print actual size. You can also use the PDF (above) to print from if that works better for you. If you don't have a printer, I've also included Rebecca's wood sketch at the end of this plan that you can use to draw your own sleigh pattern.

Some tips - try using a drill bit the size of your jigsaw blade to drill holes at all starting and stopping points so all you have to do is connect the dots with your jigsaw. Use clamps to hold the board down. Just go slow and pause as you go.

The main thing with a jigsaw is just to go slow, make sure that blade isn't beveling, and use the right blade. Here's a little video I put together on jigsaw cutting curved cuts:

Be safe!

Step 2

NOTE: It may be easier to paint pieces first.

Once you get your two sides, it's easy peasy from there out. Attach bottom so it's flush to first opening on sleigh legs. You can use nails, countersunk screws or Kreg Jig - it's up to you here. If you use nails, use glue.

NOTE: For a wider sleigh, use a wider width board!

Step 3

I took the sleigh side out just for demonstration purposes. Fit the back in and nail and glue in place.

Step 4

And then fit the front in and nail and glue in place.

Step 5

Here's the wood diagram from Rebecca if you don't have a printer. You can use Rebecca's diagram to create your own sleigh pattern. Just remember to make sure the two sides match!

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions:

Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth. It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Wood Sleigh

Toys [3], Kids and Toys [4], Beginner [5], Children's [6]