I built a sleigh a few years ago and had the same problem, how to get a red stain. I went to Sherwin-Williams and had them mix a red and green stain for me. It was the same type of stains that they use to get walnut, cherry, oak etc. They just mixed in lots of red tint to a mixture of clear stain. It turned out great, used Helmans Spar Urethane to top coat, just as red and green today as it was 10 years ago. It sits outside every Christmas for a month or so every year. Hope that helps.
