Faux Deer Head Project

I can't remember why, but I've been obsessed with looking at Carved Wooden Deer Heads online lately. I think it's because our basement renovation is taking on a rustic feeling and I love the look. I was especially inspired by this one:



Clearly, $625 was out of my price range. So, I sat on it for a bit.

Suddenly, at 9pm one night I dragged out some supplies:

Newspaper
Masking tape
Flour
Water
Cardboard
Rigid Wrap plaster cloth
Stain

I started out by drawing the shape of the antlers on a piece of brown kraft paper, then traced it onto the cardboard. To get a pair of antlers, you will need to trace the shape one way then flip the template and trace the second one backwards.

Then I started with a ball of newspaper that I began to shape with the help of masking tape. A general skull shape is just wider at the top and tapered at the snout. Square off the snout and hold everything in place with layers of tape.



Then I concocted paper mache using flour and water and stirred. It should be the consistency of pancake batter. Simply dip strips of newspaper and apply to the newspaper skull and cardboard antlers.



I knew I could paint the paper mache after it dried, but I wanted more of plaster look, so I found this Rigid Wrap brand plaster cloth at my local craft store. Bingo!



The plaster cloth is so easy to apply, simply cut the cloth into appropriately sized pieces and soak in warm water. Rub the cloth until creamy then apply to your project. Your skull will look like white plaster when you are finished:



I painted it with a white gloss acrylic paint then wiped on then wiped off a medium stain to antique it a bit.



So, eventually, it might find a home on my new basement fireplace - but since it looks like this right now:



I think I'll keep it up here for the time being.




Don't forget your opportunity to Teach Me Stuff is right around the corner. Come back tomorrow to link up for Tutorial Tuesday!

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