DIY Branch Antlers: A Modern Twist

Okay, DIY branch antlers are nothing new. I’m not reinventing the wheel or anything. But I came across Luke Bartels’ antlers (in Rue Magazine–from four years ago) and fell in love! After searching around online for a tutorial, nothing was close enough to the image I had in my head. I especially loved the leather detail he uses and was set on recreating it.

Of course, I made some modifications. The shield shape of the originals was a little too traditional for me, and I opted not to stain the wood to keep more of a Scandinavian feel. But I’m absolutely in love with the end result…

DIY Branch Antlers Tutorial

Branchlers! Branchlers for all!

I made these in one morning, as it is a quick and easy project.


How to DIY Branch Antlers:

Supplies:

  • 1 Y-shaped branch.  I found mine at a local park, on the ground.
  • Rag
  • Leather strip (Mine is from Joann, but you can find this in the jewelry section of your local craft store)
  • Gorilla Glue, or an equivalent clear glue
  • Picture hanger and nails
  • 1 7″ x 9″ oval wood plaque, $2.99

Optional:

Equipment:

  • Scissors
  • Hammer
  • Drill and bits
  • Hand saw

DIY Branch Antlers1. Using the saw, cut the end of the branch at an angle, approximately 1″ from the base of the “V”.  Make sure your branchlers will slope upwards.

DIY Branch Antlers

2. Find the center of the wood plaque and mark with a pencil.  Drill a hole through the plaque at a downward angle, beginning with a small bit and increasing the size until the hole is wide enough for your branch to fit snugly.  If you reach your largest bit and the hole is still too small, you can widen it by drilling in a circular motion (much like how you set up a beach umbrella in the sand).

DIY Branch Antlers

3. Attach the picture hanger to the back of the plaque with a hammer.

DIY Branch Antlers

4. Apply glue to the end of the branch and insert it into the hole.  Wipe away any excess.  Then, use the rag to apply the wood conditioner.  Set a timer for 30 minutes and walk away.

DIY Branch Antlers

5. Wipe away any excess oil with the rag.  Then, measure and cut a piece of leather approximately 1″ x 3″–the size will vary depending on your branch.

DIY Branch Antlers

6. Dab glue on the top of the branch base and attach one end of the leather strip.  Wrap the strip around the base and secure at the top again with more glue.  You may need to press the leather down with your fingers for a minute or two, to ensure it sticks.

DIY Branch Antlers

After that, you can hang it on your wall and enjoy the branchler-iness of it all.

DIY Branch Antlers

DIY Branch Antlers

Thank you to the lovely ladies of the Think & Make Thursday Link Party for featuring this post!

Kenarry: Ideas for the Home

 

What do you think of this project?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!  Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to share/pin!

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Comments (18 )
  • Katja | Shift Ctrl Art
    | 5 December 2014

    This is very pretty! Love the leather detail. I wish my Joann’s would carry leather. I have looked for it a couple of times with no luck!

    • annabode
      | 5 December 2014

      Thanks! That’s so weird, not even by the jewelry? Michaels has it as well, if there’s one near you. Also try Amazon!

  • Kristen
    | 5 December 2014

    Those are so cute! Love the simplicity of how they look on the wall. Well done!

    • annabode
      | 5 December 2014

      Thanks Kristen!

  • Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life
    | 5 December 2014

    Love this idea! So simple yet looks stunning! Thanks for sharing

    • annabode
      | 10 December 2014

      Any time Gilly, thanks for stopping by!

  • Laura Irion // Avery Street Design
    | 6 December 2014

    I’m officially freaking out. FREAKING OUT. This blows my mind…absolutely love and adore. You genius!! Did I mention I love it?! Thank you sooo much for sharing this at Found & Foraged.

    • annabode
      | 10 December 2014

      Ahhh you are too awesome Laura! Thank you–I’m so glad you love it!

  • Jillian
    | 6 December 2014

    Anna I love this! I am obsessed with faux versions of deer head/antlers and these are great! So simple and modern.

    • annabode
      | 10 December 2014

      Thanks Jillian! You wouldn’t believe how easy they are to make (and much more animal-friendly). 🙂

  • Kyla @HouseOfHipsters
    | 10 December 2014

    Gaw!!! I love these! Seriously and your styling is always on point! Pinning! Thanks so much for linking up at Found & Foraged! We hope to see you again this Saturday at 8PM CT…yet, back to normal time again this week! Can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on! Also, since you are on Instagram, you should check out #foundforaged It’s different from our linky party, but kinda one in in the same. Just tag #foundforaged to anything found, foraged, DIYd, vintage finds, curbside picks…and of course we give extra bonus points to those with good styling…hint hint nudge nudge =P Anyhoo, we feature IGers every Saturday!

    • annabode
      | 19 December 2014

      You’re so sweet Kyla! Any time–thanks for the heads up about #foundforaged, whoa there are some beautiful images out there! I’ll keep instagrammin’ and linking up 🙂 Happy holidays!

  • Karisa
    | 11 December 2014

    I’m so glad to have found you on the interwebs, I think I’ve already mentioned that. Anyways, I’m sharing this tomorrow on Think & Make Thursday for my site. I hope you get some new followers 🙂 Cheers!

    • annabode
      | 19 December 2014

      Thanks Karisa! 🙂

  • Havalah
    | 11 December 2014

    these are too fun!

    • annabode
      | 19 December 2014

      Thanks! They were fun to make, too!

  • Laura Irion // Avery Street Design
    | 13 December 2014

    I’m featuring this project on Found & Foraged tonight- I hope you’ll come back with more! Love your style! xo, Laura

  • Danish
    | 3 May 2017

    Thanks for sharing…

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