How To Make Antlers: DIY Faux Antler Wreath

Learn how to make antlers and turn them into a gorgeous (and inexpensive) faux antler wreath! This wreath’s rustic design is perfect for the fall but could easily be kept up all winter long!

How To Make Antlers For Faux Antler Wreath

Not too long ago I was glancing through my Pinterest feed and fell in love with faux antler wreaths. I LOVE the combination of rustic and chic but some of the wreaths that I was seeing were $100. Personally, there is no way I would spend that much money on a wreath, so I decided to make my own instead!

In today’s tutorial, I’m going to show to how to make antlers and how to add them to a wreath form. The idea of making faux antlers and a wreath might sound complicated, but it’s not! The process is easier than you think and is so much fun to do. Plus, this tutorial can be customized in a variety of ways to fit your decor style.

For my wreath, I went with a rustic look so I could leave it up throughout the fall season. However, you could make your wreath more season or holiday-specific by using different colors, items, textures, etc. I will talk more about that at the end of this post, so make sure you check that out below!

Supplies Needed To Make Faux Antler Wreath

• Wire wreath form
• Pinecones (I got some plain ones from my yard and some white-tipped ones)
• Spanish moss 
• Hot glue
• Twine
• Clay (I used air dry)
• Metal coat hangers
• Aluminum Foil
• Water
• Paint in various colors
• Paintbrush

How To Make Antlers

Let’s get started on the antlers first!

The antlers that inspired me were from Craftberry Bush. I did a lot of research on making antlers from clay and ended up loosely following a couple of tutorials. Many tutorials called for sticks, but I decided to use metal coat hangers to create my antlers instead. Below is what I did.

Step 1: Shape Coat Hangers Into Antler Shape

I cut the coat hangers and shaped them into three different “antler-like” shapes.

Step 2: Cover Coat Hanger Antlers In Foil

Then I covered my shapes with aluminum foil, making sure the tips were pointed but the end was not.

Step 3: Add Clay To Coat Hanger Antlers

Next, I covered the shapes in air-dry clay until I was happy with the results. Again, I made sure the tips were pointed and the ends were not so that the antlers looked as realistic as possible.

Step 4: Stipple Antlers

I took an old paintbrush and stippled the ends in a few places along each antler.

Step 5: Set Antlers Aside To Dry

When all three were done I set them aside to dry for over 24 hours.

Step 6: Touch Up Antlers (If Necessary)

They cracked, y’all! I really thought I might have a craft fail and was upset but forged on.

I took a little water on my hands and smoothed each antler out. The one on the left below has been smoothed, and the one on the right has not been. It worked!

I had to do this twice for each antler, letting it dry in between. I did have a few small cracks after that, but the paint worked to fill those in. Also, noticed that my wire came out of the bottom of one of the antlers. I just snipped that off with some side cutters.

Step 7: Painter Antlers

Now for paint! FYI, I am not an artist. I simply pulled up a picture on my computer, broke out a few shades of white and brown, and experimented. Don’t be afraid. Just break out your brushes and get started!

The worst that can happen is that you paint over it and start over. I played around until I was happy with the results.

Are they perfect? Not even close. But they ARE pretty!

How To Make Antler Wreath

Ok, now it’s time to make the wreath!

Step 1: Lay Wreath Form In Box

Put your wreath form inside of a box because this gets messy!

Step 2: Cover Wreath Form With Spanish Moss

Cover the form loosely with Spanish moss and LOTS of hot glue.

You can see that not all areas got covered, but that is okay. The Spanish moss just provides a background to help hide the frame once the pine cones are added.

Step 3: Add Plain Pine Cones To Wreath

Next, use hot glue to adhere a few plain pine cones to the wreath form in a random way (there’s no pattern to follow – just use your eye).

Step 4: Add White Tipped Pine Cones To Wreath

Now take white-tipped pine cones and add them around the wreath to fill gaps until you are happy with the results. Again, use hot glue to adhere the pine cones to the design.

Step 5: Add Faux Antlers

Now take your (painted and dry) faux antlers and just tie them onto your wreath with twine.

This wreath is done and ready to hang on your door to welcome all of your fall guests!

I made this wreath for fall, but it really could be an everyday design if you live in a log cabin, have a mountain home, or have a passion for very rustic home decor. It could also double as a holiday wreath because it would be awesome with a red bow for Christmas.

Seriously this might be my favorite wreath that I’ve ever made!

I hope y’all have enjoyed this wreath as much as I have and will make your own! This one would be good for fall, Christmas, winter, and really any season!

FAQs About How To Make Antlers

Here are some questions that I frequently see readers ask about how to make antlers. If you don’t see your question already answered below, please leave it for me in the comments!

Could I Use A Different Wreath Base Instead Of A Wire Base?

Sure! For the look I wanted, the wire base was the best fit. However, you could modify this design and use a foam base. FYI, you’ll probably see the twine tied to the wreath more easily, but I’m sure you could hide it with some greenery pieces.

Another fun option could be to use an evergreen wreath base. It would change the look of the design pretty significantly, but it would be amazing!

Can I Tie My Pine Cones Onto The Wreath Instead Of Using Hot Glue?

Yes, you can. But I recommend against it for two reasons. First, it will create more work and be more time-consuming for you to individually tie each pine cone onto the wreath (and make sure the twine stays hidden).

And second, the twine won’t be as strong or last as long as hot glue. It will wear down over time, and you’ll begin “losing” pine cones because they’ll fall off.

Hot glue is the safest, fastest, and best choice to use for this project.

Can I Glue My Antlers To The Wreath Instead Of Using Twine?

Yes, you can. I liked the look that twine gave but you can easily hot glue your antlers to the wreath instead.

Can I Hang This Wreath Outdoors?

Unfortunately, no. Your faux antlers are NOT made to get wet. I have mine on a door that is protected by a glass storm door. Please do not hang outside, or your antlers may melt away.

5 More Wreath Crafts

Did you love learning how to make antlers for this faux antler wreath and are looking for more wreath crafts? Then check out the projects below!

• Simple Fall Wreath with Farmhouse Style in 10 Minutes
• How to Make an Easy Rag Wreath in Under an Hour
• DIY Round Wood Door Hanger with a Cricut Machine
• Easy Patterned Paper Wreath
• Heart Wreath Made with Burlap Ribbon