How to Build a Hanging Light With Deer Antlers

Obtain antlers. Obey your state’s antler collection laws to acquire a supply of antlers found in the wild or buy antlers from a licensed source. Clean the antlers with a product such as Murphy Oil Soap to remove organic matter and soil before coating the antlers with polyurethane sealant applied with a small brush so it reaches into the antler’s nooks.

Design your hanging lamp so you have reference material from which to work. Identify and match up a configuration that most closely approximates the size, number of antlers and fixture design you have in mind.

Drill holes at the tip of each antler where you plan to install one chandelier-style light socket. Proceed with caution, using a small drill bit so you don’t damage any of your antlers. Use antler fill, craft clay or wood fill to disguise blemishes on the antlers. Allow the medium to harden according to package instructions.

Form an “antler bouquet” that matches the shape of the hanging lamp you’re using as your reference model. Use a soldering gun and solder, wire, screws or a pre-shaped armature that can be hidden beneath the cluster of antlers to bind the antlers together so they form the shape of the hanging lamp. Connect a harp or wiring to the center of the fixture so a place exists to secure the hanging chain and power cord.

Feed wiring through each antler, threading the ends through those pre-drilled holes. Attach sockets to each wire and cluster the ends at the center of the fixture. Use air-dry modeling clay, wood fill, antler fill or screws to bond the sockets to the antlers so they don’t move. Allow the clay or fill to dry per package instructions before connecting the power cord.

Prep the ceiling. Drill a hole at the hanging site and sink an anchor and decorative hook into the ceiling. Determine the drop height. For an 8-foot ceiling, you might wish the hanging antler lamp to fall from 30- to 34-inches above your furnishings. Attach a hanging chain to the center of the antler cluster and hang it from the ceiling-mount hook. Screw one 25-watt chandelier bulb into each light socket.