A truly amazing material, deer antler can be used to make several different crafts and projects. In this article, I will share 24 ideas for deer antler crafts. (and now I’ve added some more, so a total of 27).
I’ve used antler for several different crafts, and here are some ideas for deer antler crafts I’ve saved up over the years. The ones with the hyperlinks will take you to antler tutorials I have created on this site.
24 Craft Ideas for Deer Antler Crafts
#1 Handmade Writing Pens
Handmade writing pens
#2 Antler Rings and Other Jewelry
Jewelry (antler rings)
#3 Antler Christmas Trees
Antler Christmas Trees
#4 Basket Handles
Basket handles
#5 Bottle Opener Handles
Bottle opener handles
#6 Fire Starter
Fire Striker/Starter
#7 Antler Whistles
Whistles
#8 Antler Letter Openers
Letter openers
# 9 Jewelry Holder / Stand
#10 Antler Cross
#11 Business card stands
#12 Scout neckerchief slide
#13 Game pieces-Chess or Checkers
#14 Game calls
#15 Key rings (use antler tips)
#16 Chandeliers
#17 Knife handles
#18 Drawer handles
#19 Buttons
#20 Salt & pepper shakers
#21 Hiking stick handles
#22 Picture frames
#23 Refrigerator magnets
#24 Napkin holders
#25 Carvings and scrimshaw
#26 Back scratchers
#27 Coat or hat racks
#28 Lamp Stands
Recommended Antler Craft Tools
Here are a few tools that I find very helpful when shaping and working deer antler. I’m not saying you need all these tools, but they definitely make the job easier.
Dremel 3000 Rotary Tool KitBosch 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver Kit
Generic Mini 1 x 30 Belt SanderMicro Mesh Sanding Sheets
Craftsman 12-Inch Heavy Duty HacksawCA Glue (Medium) 4 oz Bottle
3M(TM) Half Facepiece Respirator Assembly MediumSafety Glasses
Walnut Hollow Creative Versa Tool Woodburner
Getting Educated About Deer Antlers
Want to learn a ton more about this marvelous material called deer antler? You might want to take a minute and read the reviews on this book from Amazon: Antlers: A Guide to Collecting, Scoring, Mounting, and Carving
Do the Deer Care?
Worried about the deer? Don’t be. You see, the male deer naturally sheds his antlers each winter. A quick online search, and you will find people who enjoy finding antler sheds and selling them. Note, however, that the laws vary from state to state regarding the sale of antler sheds or antler products. But many states, including my sweet Georgia, allow it.
Where to Find Deer Antler?
If you like the outdoors, you might enjoy getting out around February and looking for your own antler sheds. Trust me though, they’re not always that easy to find them.I’ve spent hours looking for sheds, but I really enjoy being outdoors. If you’re not the outdoorsy type, then check out my latest post called, Where Can I Find Deer Antler? to learn more about procuring deer antler for your crafts.
More of My Antler Projects
Pictured below are several of my deer antler crafts that I made in my shop. I love the durability of deer antler and I love the rustic or outdoorsy theme it brings to my crafts.
What about you? Can you add other deer antler crafts to the list? What have you been creating with deer antler?
Are you a Hiker?
If you’re a hiker, sportsman, or outdoors person, I thought you might like some BONUS material. Below is a video I created that shows how to carve and add wooden toppers to your hiking staff. I will also be creating future videos where I carve antler toppers to add to your hiking stick. Hope you enjoy!
