DIY Deer Antlers for Your Costume: Easy and Creative Templates

Looking for a unique and budget-friendly way to enhance your deer costume? Look no further! This guide will walk you through several methods to create your own deer antlers, whether you're making them for a Halloween costume, a school play, or any other special occasion.

Where to Find or Buy Deer Antlers

While you can buy ready-made antlers for dogs, which can be a convenient option, there are also other ways to obtain antlers for your costume. Here are a few suggestions:

Ask a Hunter: If you know someone who hunts, they may be willing to share their harvest. Check local hunting forums or ask local hunters if they have any spare antlers they would be willing to part with. Local Classifieds: Place an ad in your local newspaper or online classified sites asking for free antlers for a costume project. Nature Walks: If you love the outdoors, you can search for branches that resemble antlers in forests or wooded areas. These may not be authentic antlers but can still be used as a template for your DIY project.

DIY Antlers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Paper Mache Antlers

This method is great for those who enjoy a hands-on approach and want antlers that closely resemble the natural antlers' texture:

Materials Needed: Heavy duty wire clothes hangers, newspapers, flour, water, masking tape, and dollar store paint. Steps: Take the wire clothes hangers and form them into the desired antler shape. Bend the hangers into place and secure extra tines using masking tape. Create a paste by mixing flour and water. Wrap the taped wire with narrow strips of newspaper dipped in paste. Allow the antlers to dry completely, which may take a couple of days depending on the number of layers. Celebrate your DIY antlers once they are fully dry and paint them with dollar store paint.

2. Cloth and Wire Antlers

If you prefer a more solid and realistic look, try this method:

Materials Needed: Wire coat hangers, cotton or heavy cloth, and paper mache paste. Steps: Form the wire coat hangers into the desired antler shape. Wrap the wire with cotton or heavy cloth to build it in diameter. Apply paper mache over the wrapped wire, shaping the antler as you go. Allow the antlers to dry thoroughly, then paint them to your liking.

3. Floral Wire and Papier Mache

For a quick and easy solution, use floral wire and papier mache:

Materials Needed: Floral wire, papier mache, and brown paint. Steps: Shape the floral wire into antler forms. Cover the wire with paper mache, guiding the shape as needed. Paint the antlers with a little brown paint for authenticity.

Additional Tips

To ensure your antlers stay in place, consider attaching them to a headband or a similar device before finalizing the design. This way, you can ensure they fit comfortably and securely on your head during the event.

While these DIY methods allow for some creativity, it's worth noting that attempting to create a 6-point rack might be too complicated and fragile. Instead, stick to simpler forms for easier handling and wear.

Experiment with different materials and techniques to find the perfect fit for your deer costume. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just plain enjoyment, these DIY antlers provide a fun and cost-effective option.