Running Reindeer
A #STEAMjunk Project
This Christmas, let’s make a little magic together.
Crank the handle on my latest bead‑and‑wire #STEAMjunk project and watch a festive reindeer dash into life! With printed parts, a few bent paperclips, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, you can craft your very own Running Rudolph, perfect as a handmade gift for a friend or a cheerful companion to brighten your desk this season.
The reindeer’s feet are linked directly to the crank, while a wire connects the back of its body to the base, letting it sway gently as it runs. Turn the handle and watch the legs spring into motion.
The arms are driven by crossed paper linkages, so that when the left leg lifts, the right arm rises, and vice versa. This criss‑cross creates a delightfully enthusiastic running motion, full of character and festive cheer.
The base is crafted from straightened paperclip wires, bent neatly into shape and joined with a small piece from a terminal block. The crank slots into a pair of wire loops, while two glass beads hold it centred and turning smoothly in position.
Before starting the build, I spent some time sketching out different ideas for the base, you can see a few of those explorations in my notebook pages above. In the end, I returned to the tried‑and‑tested bead‑and‑wire mechanism. Past experience told me it would work reliably, and with Christmas fast approaching I wanted to be sure the project would be finished in time.
The Running Reindeer comes as a downloadable PDF with full step‑by‑step instructions. Premium subscribers can download it directly from the foot of this page, and it’s also available from my website for £5 (or equivalent).
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Thank you so much for following along with this project, I hope you enjoy bringing your Running Reindeer to life as much as I enjoyed designing it. May it add a dash of festive cheer to your making, whether it’s gifted to a friend or proudly displayed on your desk. Wishing you joyful tinkering and a very merry Christmas!