Did you know that deer shed their antlers every year? They grow new ones in a process called “antlerogenesis.” This chandelier is made from these shed antlers. How To Make An Antler Chandelier? It’s a really cool project, and there are many different ways to make them depending on the amount of time and effort you want to put into it.
What do you need to start? First, you need an antler with sufficient length. You can buy one from an antler store or find one in the woods after the hunting season has ended. You’ll also need a saw for cutting (or using a handsaw), sandpaper, and several hours of your time (though some methods require more than others). And if you want to spray paint your chandelier, some paint will be needed as well!
How To Make An Antler Chandelier What you will need
You’ll need several materials in order how to make an antler chandelier.
- Antlers with sufficient length
- A saw for cutting (or using a handsaw)
- Sandpaper
- Several hours of your time (though some methods require more than others)
- Paint, if desired.
How To Attach Antlers To A-Frame
Once you have all your supplies, on how to make this chandelier you can start the project. The first step is to use the saw to cut the antler in half lengthwise and sand the edges until they’re smooth. Then, with a hammer and nails, attach one side of the antler over a crossbar on your frame.
The other side of the antler should go underneath the crossbar with a nail going through it to attach it to the top half of the antler that was already nailed down. This way, when you put tension on both sides of the antler, it will bend up and create an arch shape. If desired, you can add another crossbar from one side to another for extra support.
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Where To Get Antlers
You can buy this from a variety of places. A lot of people find them for free in the woods after the hunting season has ended because deer shed their antlers every year and grow new ones. You can also purchase them at an antler store or online.
Many people have questions about how to keep their shed antlers clean and tidy. First, you should never use bleach to clean your antlers, as it’ll cause them to become brittle, discolored, and dry out. You also want to avoid using chemical cleaners on your antlers as they could harm the delicate surface layer of the bone (antler chandeliers are made from these shed ants). Instead, use warm soapy water and a sponge to scrub your antlers clean with a gentle touch.
A few other tips for keeping your shed deer antlers pristine include:
- Keep them in a cool place where no one is going to bump into them or knock them over
- Store them away from direct sunlight
- Avoid touching or handling the outside surfaces of your antlers too often
- Keep your shed deer antlers out of reach from pets (especially dogs)
Adding A Branch For Extra Stability
One of the most common problems people have with antler chandeliers is that they’re wobbly. To fix this, you can add a branch for extra stability. Start by cutting the branch to size and drilling two holes along its length. Drill one hole on either side of your antler, one in the center, and one near the bottom.
Then place the branch inside your antler and use screws to attach it to the surface of the antlers. Now that your branch is secured inside the antler, drill two more holes on either end and attach them to the branch with screws as well. The result is a sturdy deer antler chandelier!
How To Paint Your Chandelier
One way to paint your chandelier is the spray paint method. You’ll need to use a respirator or protective mask, and if you’re doing it indoors, you should spray in an open space (like on the driveway) and work in shifts so you don’t get dizzy from breathing in fumes for too long.
Before painting, clean your antlers with dish soap to remove any oils or dirt that might prevent the paint from sticking. Then spray your this, taking care not to cover up the natural lines of the antler (this will help it look more authentic). Let it dry, then sand down any rough patches with sandpaper. If there are spots of paint that didn’t get sprayed evenly, just touch them up with more paint and allow them to dry before sanding again.
When you’ve finished painting, give your antler chandelier a good coat of polyurethane or varnish to seal all of the colors into place.
Cutting And Sanding The Antler
The first step is to cut the antler. But to do this, you’ll need a saw (or handsaw). You’ll also need a good sanding block and several hours of your time.
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Painting And Finishing The Chandelier
The most time-intensive part of the process is finishing the chandelier. Painting antlers is best done with spray paint, which you can buy at your local hardware store. Some people also like to seal their chandelier with a protective coating before they paint it. This will help protect it from moisture and wear and tear as time goes by.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy way to spruce up your home with a beautiful antler chandelier? How to make an antler chandelier? First, gather all of the necessary materials. Then, start by cutting the antlers into desired lengths. Next, use a saw to cut the tips off of the antlers. Finally, use a drill to create holes in each tip and thread the wires through them.
