How to Make Table Lamps from Deer Antlers

Instead of simply mounting antlers on a plaque, there are many crafty things you can construct from antlers. If you maintain a cabin or rustic theme throughout your home, antlers can enhance this decorating style, especially when used to create table lamps. Using a lamp kit and a few basic tools, you can make a table lamp from deer antlers in a matter of hours. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Gather two or more antler sheds to use as the base for your table lamp. Place the antlers on newspaper outside and coat them in polyurethane spray to protect the natural coloring and prevent damage from water or insects.

2

Bundle the antlers together with the points of the antlers facing upwards. Hold the antlers in place, ensuring that the base does not wobble. Invert one antler to use to hold the light bulb-- make sure it is perfectly vertical. Apply a strong, clear adhesive between the antlers everywhere they touch.

3

Wrap strips of duct tape around the antlers to hold the antlers in place while the glue dries. Leave the tape on the antlers while you complete the steps to make the antlers into a lamp, but make sure to wait 15 minutes after gluing before proceeding.

4

Drill a hole into the inverted antler. The hole should measure only slightly larger in diameter than the lamp socket base and should only be an inch or two deep. Hold the antlers steady and drill slowly so you don't make a mistake.

5

Coat the inside of the drilled hole with the strong adhesive and install the lamp socket into the hole. Hold the socket in place for 15 minutes while the glue sets.

6

Mount a lamp shade onto the lamp. To do this, set the lampshade into place and screw a bulb into the lamp socket. The bulb works to hold the lamp into place. If you install a lamp socket with an attached mount for a lampshade, you do not need to complete this step.

7

Remove the duct tape from the antlers and plug the lamp into the electrical outlet.