Taxidermy. You either love it or you hate it. I'm not eager to put a real deer head on our wall but I have wanted to try something more creative. On the way home from the park this weekend I found a branch that struck me as resembling a deer antler so I went back Sunday to see if I could find another one in a similar size. The kids played and I walked around under the yellow trees with my eyes on the ground and found one! I would've felt like a weirdo but almost every mom I have met at this park has brought up Pinterest in a conversation. I'm apparently in the right neighborhood.
To make your own you'll need:
1. Wooden plaque, two wooden blocks, metallic spray paint, a glue gun and glue sticks, semi-matching branches, a hook for the back, leather or vinyl scrap (you could also use vintage wallpaper, a music sheet, etc.)screws and a drill (optional). 2. If you are using a drill and screws, screw two centered holes slightly above the middle of the plaque. 3. Hot glue your two blocks in the same place whether you're using a drill or not. 4. Wait two minutes and then use the drill holes (if you're using a drill) as your guides and drill from the back of the plaque into the blocks. Screw screws in. (Skip this if you're not drilling.) Add your hanger on the back. 5. Spray paint according to manufacturer's instructions. I did three layers. Be sure to let it dry thoroughly before continuing on. 6. I added leather to cover the blocks and add a little texture by measuring it carefully and hot gluing it on. Then I hot glued the branches on (a few times) until I liked their position.
My advice is to keep your proportions in check. Don't get huge branches if you're just hot gluing. If you want to be brave and screw them in then go for it but heavy branches will need more support. I'm not sure exactly the kind of branches these are but I think a variety of branch silhouettes would look fancy. String up a pretty garland or twinkle lights all year round and hang ornaments at Christmas time.
Save a deer, hang a branch!
-Rachel
