How to Build Elk Horn Chandeliers

Clean the antlers with oil soap. Gently rub the soap on all areas of the antlers. Dip an old rag in warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Wipe the antlers with the damp cloth and dry with another old rag, removing any traces of the oil soap.

Apply an even coat of the polyurethane to the elk horns. The polyurethane dries clear, which lets the natural color of the horns shine through, but still provides a protective coating. Apply at least two coats, letting each coat dry before applying another.

Arrange the elk antlers in a circular shape on a table or flat surface. Overlap the antlers slightly, so that the tips of the horns cross over each other. Drill a small hole through each horn tip or each spot where you want a light bulb.

Drill more holes along the sides of each antler, especially where they intersect or overlap. Push the wire through the holes and wrap around the sides. Tie the wire together or twist shut and cut off the excess. The wire keeps the antlers attached together in the round shape.

Run the wires from the chandelier wiring kit along the inside edge of the antlers. Attach the wires to the antlers with more metal wire. The kit should contain the sockets for the chandelier. Attach the sockets to the end of each wire and screw a light bulb into each one.

Untwist one end of the chain with the pliers. Drill a small hole through one side of the chandelier and push the chain through. Twist the chain back together again. Connect a second chain on the opposite side of the chandelier and twist the ends together in the center. Attach another chain that lets the chandelier hang from the ceiling and run the electrical cord from the kit through the chain.