Making Deer Antler Chandeliers

Making a chandelier out of deer antlers can add character to your home.

Deer antler chandeliers are a great way to express creativity, give a room character, or show your love of hunting. Male deer shed their antlers every year, and because the antlers are hollow, they make a great material to create a custom chandelier. You want to collect or buy several similar sized antlers; the quantity will depend on the size chandelier you desire.

Things You'll Need

• Antlers
• Oil soap
• Rag
• Polyurethane
• Foam paintbrush
• Drill
• Picture wire
• Chandelier wiring kit
• Brown modeling clay (air dry)
• Chain
• Small screws

Instructions

1. Clean the outside and inside antlers with oil soap and a rag. Allow the antlers to air dry.

2. Apply two coats of polyurethane to the antlers to protect them. Allow each coat to dry completely before reapplying.

3. Drill holes through the edges of the antlers. Arrange them in a circle, and run picture wire between them to secure them together.

4. Drill holes in the tips or tops of the antlers for each light socket. You can do as many or as few lights as you like.

5. Following the instructions on the chandelier kit, run the electrical wiring into the antlers for each light socket.

6. Attach chain to the antlers with small screws. Attach more antlers halfway up the length of the chain if you prefer.

7. Fill any holes with brown modeling clay. Allow it to dry.

8. Secure your chandelier to your ceiling, and then connect the electrical wiring to the existing light box following the manufacturer's directions.

References

• Deer Hunting Success: How to Make Antler Chandelier