 |
 |
For this project, an antler that will lay flat on the wall with its tines pointing up is ideal. If an antler is not a perfect fit for this project, hold onto it as it may inspire another one: a lamp finial, a drawer pull, a door handle or even buttons.
Materials:
Deer antlers
Leather
Nylon leather thread, available at most craft stores and online
Rubber cement
Sandpaper
Dish soap
3 outdoors screws
Tools:
Band saw or pull saw
Vise
Rotary cutter
2 size 20 tapestry needle for whip stitching
1 size 13 tapestry needle for doubled thread
Screw punch, available at many craft stores and online
Scissors
Ruler
Cutting board
Directions:
1. Clean antler with dish soap and cold water. Trim off tines (tips of antler) to a blunt end with band saw (or pull saw and a vise) and sand cut edges.
2. Use rotary cutter to cut three strips of leather about ¾" to 1" wide and about 6" long. These will be used to attach antler to the door or wall.
3. To determine placement of leather strips on antler before cutting strips to length, lay antler flat on table with tines facing you. Place strips-one to left of leftmost tine; one to right of rightmost tine and one to left of center tine.
4. Wrap one leather strip around antler at designated spot. Each strip should wrap around antler and double back on itself with at least 1 ½" of extra length on each end. Thicker parts of antler will need longer leather strips than thinner parts.
5. Fold each strip in half and use screw punch to punch holes (1.5mm) along three cut exterior edges of strip about 1/8-inch apart. Then punch holes about 1/16" from the edge (by folding and punching cut sides of leather strip, matching holes are made on both ends of leather strip). Make sure not to punch holes in folded edge. Repeat punching on remaining two leather strips.
6. Attach leather strips using #20 tapestry needle threaded with twine. Then wrap corresponding strip around antler, matching up holes. At this point, glue leather together on overhanging tab using rubber cement. Start sewing at hole closest to antler, sewing around three sides of leather tab with a whip-stitch.
10. When stitches meet antler, continue to whip-stitch leather edge that wraps around antler. When opposite side of antler is reached, slip needle between leather along antler and out opposite side of leather strip. Continue stitching other side of strip that wraps around antler. Where stitching meets, double knot thread and tuck it under leather strip along antler. Repeat above process for each leather strip.
11. Punch hole in center of each leather tab at the top for screw. Screw to door or wall through punched holes. Cover screw heads with a small circle of leather using rubber glue to attach, if desired.
Supplies:
Talas Bookbinding
http://www.talas-nyc.com/