Hi everyone! I have put together a special DIY for today. The idea popped into my head on Tuesday as I was headed to the craft store for supplies and I just couldn't shake it. It is common that I head into the craft store with certain items in mind but then leave having purchased quite a few others as well. Does anyone else have this problem? This idea turned out splendid though so I guess the deviations in my shopping plan were all for the best.
Today I'll show you how to make this Laurel Deer Plaque inspired by the antler motifs which are so popular right now. Deer are definitely a big design trend and even though I hate admitting to liking a fad, there is something precious and romantic about deer designs. But I don't like anything that resembles taxidermy or real antlers so I wanted to steer clear of that realness. I figured this little plaque made out of a plastic deer and spray painted white was a good solution and definitely something that couldn't be mistaken for a real head-on-the-wall (gross!).
Want to make this sweet little deer for yourself? Here's how to do it:
Materials needed: 3x5 oval wood plaque, plastic deer (I found mine at Michaels but a toy store would probably work), white spray paint, pencil, x-acto knife, super glue, metallic bronze acrylic paint, super fine-tip paintbrush, some kind of tool to cut through the plastic like a saw (I used a hand saw and the slightly more effective power drill - this was the hardest part, cutting through the plastic but it still only took me about 10 minutes to cut through the deer)
Directions:
1. Gather the materials needed. Also print out the Laurel Template which you will use in a later step.
2. Cut through the plastic deer. I started cutting with a hand saw and x-acto knife but then switched to a power drill. I'm sure this was not the best way to do this (it was just the materials I had available to me) so if you can think of a better way to cut through tough plastic, by all means give it a try. And let me know how you did it.
3. Sever the deer's head from it's body. Decapitate him! Sadly there is not a nicer way of putting this. Sorry deer.
4. Since I was hacking away with the drill, the cut wasn't too clean. Use your x-acto knife to clean up the cut and make it as smooth as possible. This will make it easier for gluing later.
5. Spray paint your deer head and your wood base. Let dry.
6. Cut out the laurel template. Flip it over and trace the laurel pattern on the back with a pencil.
7. Place the template on the wood base (front of the template facing you) and trace over the laurel lines. What you drew on the back will transfer to the wood as you press down.
8. You will want to use a fine-tip paintbrush to go over the laurel. I used metallic bronze paint but any color would work. Pick your favorite color. Match your decor.
9. Paint over the pencil marks and let dry.
10. Use super glue to attach the deer to the wood base. Hold in place for a minute for the glue to seal. If you intend on hanging your plaque, drill a small hole in the back so that it can hang from a nail. And you're done!
And now you can have a little deer of your own...and no animals were killed in the process. He is quite simple and cute right? I think his modern look pairs nicely with these vintage pieces that I styled him with. A little new and old, my favorite. There is something kind of British about him too which I love. Like he'd be named Winston or Alfred or Bertie.
He has become my new favorite thing (as of this afternoon) and he makes me so happy up on my wall.
What do you think of the deer and antlers trend? Do you love it? Are you over it? Would you put a deer plaque up on your wall or is it too taxidermy-creepy? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Happy crafting!
Friday, January 27, 2012 at 4:00AM 
