How to make a Reindeer Door Hanger or Sign

Rudolph the Door Hanger

I started off with some 1/4" plywood.

I cut the shape out after I freehanded a 

deer face with huge, cartoony antlers and ears.

I did a base coat primer.  Let it dry completely.

Even though it is so hard to not just jump right in and start

on the colors, you have to go ahead with the primer step.

This will ensure the longevity of your items. 

Then I started the base coat of light brown.

Next, I finally got to start with the fun parts.

The eyes, nose and mouths are always my favorite.

I prefer to make them whimsical for the festival season.

Just keep it simpe.

 Don't overthink when painting a face.

I also go back and do the wide brush strokes on 

all kinds of the corners.  Just to add a light color 

contrast on top of the dark.

Then a small line of dark to bring the eye in.

This is the ear up close.

It is not that much too it when you break it 

down line for line.

I chose to do stripes like a candy cane on the antlers

to keep them fun.

I had inspiration from browsing on pinterest

for varying ideas and just kinda

combined them all in my mind to

what I wanted.

I added the hat brim of a Santa hat also

to make it appear the antlers are a

Santas hat.