Deer antlers to be made into a chandelier
Log homes and rustic lodges need a special kind of decor, and an can really highlight the outdoor lifestyle. Paired with a rustic dining room table and natural colors, an antler chandelier makes a statement about how you live. But these light fixtures can run into the hundreds of dollars. With a little time and simple equipment, you can turn your own antlers into a chandelier.
Equipment and Materials
A chandelier can be made from almost any size antlers, and if they have broken tips, you can cut that part away. Shed antlers, or antlers that are discarded by the animal every year, are ideal and you can even use artificial antlers with the same results. Although deer are the most common antlers for light fixtures, elk and moose can be used as well. However, you will need at least four similarly shaped antlers, and to some extent, this will dictate the size of your light. The material you need to assemble the lamp is a chandelier lamp kit, a jig saw or table saw, a drill and taxidermy epoxy. Use a respirator and safety glasses while cutting the antlers and wear latex gloves when using the epoxy.
Assembly
Clean the antlers using a mild soap and water. After they dry, you can coat them with polyurethane. Before you make any cuts, position the antlers to find the most appealing and practical form. Position them so that the tips face upward and will cradle the lights. Temporarily hold them together with electrical tape and remember that the shape must accommodate the light kit as well. Once you have a design that you like, mark the where the antlers touch and any other notes in light pencil that you can erase later. Cut the antlers where needed. Mix the epoxy and glue the antlers together. If you find sections need to be more securely fastened, wire them together either by drilling holes and running the wire through or by wiring them from the outside. This is a fairly awkward operation, so having a friend help is a good idea. Alternatively, you can assemble the light kit first and work around it with the antlers, but most people feel there is a more natural look to the lamp if the antlers are shaped first.
Finishing
Assemble the light kit and attach to the antler frame using the epoxy to secure the components. Before attaching the unit to the ceiling, clean any smudges or glue from the chandelier. Disguise wire by winding artificial sinew or leather strips around the area and add any embellishments you would like. Attach the chandelier to the ceiling with the materials from your light kit.
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