Christmas Sleigh Decor – Point Blanket Inspired!

Some people dream of a white Christmas. That’s usually not a problem in Canada! However, I prefer a colourful one, Canadian style, with Christmas sleigh decor done up in Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket Stripes!

I’m the first to admit that I’m crazy about these iconic stripes. If you saw our post a few days ago, we gave vintage stocking stretchers the same stripe treatment with this Christmas Stocking DIY. And of course, you may remember the project that started it all: our upcycled sewing table.

Nothing could be more iconically Canadian, for this month’s International Bloggers Club (IBC) Christmas challenge, than incorporating point blanket stripes. Check out this Canadian Encyclopedia link if you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket.

About the IBC

The IBC is a group of bloggers from all over the world who challenge each other to make something using a common theme. Last month’s challenge was Halloween. Today I’m really excited to share this upcycled toboggan tutorial with you for the Christmas challenge. You’ll find all my friends’ holiday tutorials at the bottom of the post and they’re spectacular. So don’t forget to check them out before you go. And if you don’t have time to browse today, pop back in later in the week to pick up where you left off.

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Christmas Sleigh Decor

Ok, I can hear those in the know screaming at your screen. Technically this isn’t a sleigh! In Canada, this fine snow surfing vehicle is known as a ‘toboggan’. Hubs found it curb side this summer.

Poor Hubs has had a checkered past when it comes to toboggans (which is why I chose to do stripes instead)! You see, Canadians are fearless when it comes to winter sports and Hubs permanently damaged his front tooth as a child in a tobogganing accident. It’s a wonder any of us baby boomers survived our childhoods! Bad childhood experiences aside, I couldn’t wait to put a decor spin on this toboggan.

But hey, if we get inundated with snow in the upcoming months, we’ll be able to grab it off the wall and toboggan in style!

Christmas Sleigh Decor Materials

[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): Clicking on the affiliate links below, means we may receive a commission. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more and it helps us make more unique projects to share with you! Thanks for helping to support our blog!]

Christmas Sleigh Decor – Prep Work

To start, remove the yellow pull cord.
Then clean the wood with with a 50/50 mix of water and vinegar.

The sticker label proves to be more challenging.

So I use this natural all purpose cleaner by Method. It’s my go-to whenever I want to remove sticky residue. Unbelievably, it removes sticky goo just as well as that noxious Goo Gone; no more harsh chemical for us!

Once the wood is dry, remove three of the cross braces in the centre, leaving one at either end.

Because they’re only held on by staples, the cross braces pry off easily.

Hubs trick to removing the now loose staples is to use a vice grips with a thin board for leverage. You’ll see that in action on the video. Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

We always sand glossy surface to prepare for paint.

Sanding removes most of that yellow aged look – an added bonus.

I hadn’t working out my stripe placement yet, and it turns out that the braces will not be going back in their original position. So at this point I should have filled the staple holes with wood putty. I had to backtrack and do that after painting. Not a big deal but it’s best to do it first.

Base Coat

After sanding to knock down the gloss, I dry brush on some white paint – but only in between the two remaining braces. To dry brush, dip the tips of the bristles in paint, then offload most of it onto paper towels.

You can still see the wood grain through the paint.

Putting on the Stripes

Let the paint dry overnight. For the stripes, I use the following measurements and colours.

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Tape the stripes. It takes 3 coats of paint to get the depth of colour. I use a separate roller for each colour.

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I have a tip on how to keep the rollers from drying out between coats. Hubs also has a brilliant trick to dry the rollers so they’re good as new. You’ll have to watch the video to find out how.

Sleigh Rides Stencil

I’m using this Sleigh Rides stencil by Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils to embellish the sleigh. But I want to use my Christmas Sleigh Decor year round, so I apply the stencil to a piece of wood so I can make a sign that’s double sided. You’ll see why I do that later in the reveal.

Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils provided is with a complimentary sample. All opinions about these wonderful stencils are my own.

I position ‘Sleigh’ on a jaunty angle.

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Then ‘Rides’ follows right underneath. This is my first time using a stencil brush – this one is a #10 – and I have to admit, I love using it! Of all the stencilling methods I’ve tried, I thought this would be the most difficult. But it’s not. Just load paint onto the bristles. Then offload it onto paper towels so you have a fairly dry brush and swirl away, as you’ll see on the video.

You’ll see how the other side of the sign looks in the reveal.

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Secure Cross Braces

Position and clamp the first two cross braces right through the middle of the first and last white stripes.

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Because we don’t want to scratch our wall once this is mounted, we countersink first before drilling in the screws from the back.

Christmas Sleigh Decor – Add a Shelf

We salvaged pallet wood so we can add a shelf near the bottom of the toboggan. I originally planned four shelves but want to enjoy the unspoiled look of the point blanket stripes.

Using the same procedure of countersinking the screws, attach the shelf to the cross brace first.

You’ll need longer screws for this:

Once all three screws are in countersunk, you can mount the shelf in the same way as the other cross braces.

But before you do, insert the sign, then place some credit cards between it and the cross brace as spacers so there is wiggle room to remove and flip it. Don’t forget this sign is two-sided!

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This time, when you flip it over to drill for the screw holes, you’ll need some boards underneath to support it.

I applied Varathane water based clear coat in a matte finish to the sign for durability. You can add it to the entire sleigh too for added protection.

Finishing Touch – New Rope

To stay true to the original toboggan, I’m adding this cotton twisted rope from the dollar store. Cut the length you need and be sure to tape the ends with clear tape to prevent unravelling.

I should mention that I notched the shelf first using a jig saw and chisel.

That’s so I could knot it right underneath the shelf before threading it through the original holes in the cross braces. The knots help hold the sign in place too!

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Just add mounting hardware and it’s ready to hang!

Christmas Sleigh Decor Video

Learn all our tricks and tips to make this Christmas decor:

Christmas Sleigh Decor

At Christmas time, I’ll decorate the shelves with holiday-related items like my needle felted elf. See what I mean when I say I’ve gone crazy for these iconic stripes?! My little elf is adorned in a point-blanket coat :).

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

Or I may casually drape some vintage Hudson’s Bay stripe gloves on the shelf. A painted rocking chair with a Hudson’s Bay fleece throw blanket always conjures up warm evenings by the fire.

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

This little bird didn’t fly south for the winter, but he’s keeping warm!

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

Perhaps instead of gloves, I’ll scatter a few painted acorns on the shelf.

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

The acorns coordinate well with the point stripes!

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sledOf all the options, my favourite way to display our Christmas sleigh decor will be like this. I adore how it looks with our Christmas stocking DIY.

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

However, once Christmas is over, we’ll just flip the sign around – from ‘sleigh rides‘ to ‘rides’. Then we’ll  have a transportation-themed display! We loved working with this sleigh so much, we DIY’d another unique wooden sled decor idea here.

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

Gabriola Frog couldn’t miss an opportunity to hop on her chopper now, could she?

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

See what I did there with the double-sided stencil sign to stretch this project year-round? Isn’t that so versatile? For more stencil options, visit Funky Junk’s Old Sign Stencils. There’s fabulous options for Christmas and year-round stencil crafting!

Interested in learning more stencilling techniques? Visit our tag, how to stencil, or click here for more unique stencil ideas and projects.

Want more holiday inspiration? Check out these 31 Christmas Craft Ideas for Adults!

Pin Christmas Sleigh Decor

Pinning is always welcome and appreciated :).

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

Some people like a white Christmas. I prefer a colourful one with Christmas sleigh decor done up in HBC Stripes! Birdz of a Feather | upcycling ideas | christmas sleigh decor ideas | wooden sleigh decoration | christmas decorations | christmas sleigh decoration ideas | christmas decorations diy | wood sleigh decor | sleigh decor | diy crafts | christmas decor ideas | christmas crafts | point blanket decor | toboggan sled decor | toboggan DIY | toboggan shelf | repurposed sled | upcycled sled

Be sure to check out the Sleigh Rides stencil to create your OWN sleigh decor wall hanger!  If you’re anything like me, you’ll never tire of Hudson’s Bay Point Stripe inspired projects.

Int’l Bloggers Club – Christmas

And now onto the brilliant Christmas projects by the uber-talents participating in this IBC Christmas Challenge:

  1. Unique Creations by Anita – Steam Punk Christmas Tree
  2. A Crafty Mix – Bottle Light Swapple Art Insert
  3. Birdz of a Feather – That’s us!
  4. Interior Frugalista – Scandinavian Village Scrap Wood Houses
  5. Raggedy Bits – Easy Wooden Farmhouse Ornaments
  6. What Meegan Makes – Vintage Christmas Style Wreath

Check out the Christmas challenge from the International Blogger's Club! Sleigh Decor DIY | steampunk Christmas Tree | Scandinavian Village | Vintage Christmas Wreath | Wooden Farmhouse Ornaments | Bottle Light Swapple Art

34 thoughts on “Christmas Sleigh Decor – Point Blanket Inspired!

    • Thanks so much Anita! I’m always so inspired by our curb side finds!

  1. I love it!! I would have it up all winter long! What a great upcycle of an old taboggan!

    • Thanks Maureen! I’m planning on keeping up up all year; I’ll just switch the sign around and change it to a transportation them with the ‘Rides’ version of the stencilled sign 🙂

  2. What a really cool idea to use one of those snow riding things to make a shelf with a sign. It’s brilliant and I adore the way you showcased so many of the cute things you’ve made on the shelf too but you know my favorite is Gabriola right 😀

    • I sure do know that Mix! Message me your address and she will be yours 😉.

      • Happy dance, whoot, whoot. Hairy eye ball glue is still doing it’s thing BTW 😉

  3. This fellow canuck is loving all the Canadiana elements of this DIY Christmas/Winter decor idea! Brilliant adding a cute stenciled shelf as well. Watching the video one can clearly see that you and hubby make a fantastic DIY team. Great job!

  4. This is gorgeous and serious high quality. Perhaps I’ll get to this next year! For now I’m saving.

  5. I had that sled as a kid! Brings back good memories! That’s a really creative was to keep it and use it! Thanks for sharing! And great details in the tutorial!

    • Thanks Katherine! I had that sled as a kid too so it brings back fond memories for me. Not so much for Hubs though since he broke his front tooth tobogganing!

  6. What an awesome idea! I wish I had tools. I might have to try a less labour intensive version haha.

  7. What a great way to update a sled! I love the sweater colors and stripes for a Winter look. The Funky Junk stencils are the best, aren’t they?
    Thanks for sharing your amazing creativity.

    • Thanks Meegan! I have to agree with you about Funky Junk stencils. They always inspire my creativity. I’ve got some more really interesting stencil project coming up using them!

    • Thank you Kim! I”m loving playing with Funky Junk’s stencils – can you tell – lol!

  8. I love this – it SCREAMS Christmas to me. After all, we associate snow and winter with the holidays and what’s more ‘winter’ themed than a toboggan? I think we’ve all had a ‘toboggan incident’ at one time or another, so I feel your husband’s pain on that one! Lol

    • Thanks Britt! Ha – yes, I feel his pain too – lol.

  9. This is so clever and unique! I love it! And I’m going to get some of the all-purpose cleaner, too. I hate using Goo Gone. It stinks! 😀

    • That all purpose cleaner is amazing for the kitchen. That’s where we use it most. It just so happen to be amazing at taking off sticky residue. Totally agree about Goo Gone! Goo Gone has always made me sick; can’t stand the smell!

  10. Such a darling project ! Love it.
    Thank you for joining Meraki Link Party. We hope to see you again.
    Naush

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