Faux taxidermy, deer heads, and antlers have been an ongoing trend for the last 4 years or so. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, but I’ve always liked the look of the antlered creatures just not the price—or labor involved in creating my own. Most large white deer heads for sale range between $100-$250. Yikes! 
I considered paper-macheing my own for about a second, but elementary school flashbacks of nauseating glue and globs of wet newspaper haunted me. Let’s just say the “bowl” I made in Mrs. Peterson’s third grade class still traumatizes me. So I decided to “Sandra-Lee-it” and find a semi-homemade way of creating my own deer head for less.
Amazon sells this frighteningly realistic resin deer head for $50 including shipping.
$50 is still a lot for me to spend on one accessory, but I consider him an early Christmas present.
I couldn’t wait to paint him so he’d stop staring at me :). I used two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in white and he looked fantastic. You could use any primer and white paint you happen to have on hand.
I wanted my deer to have brassy antlers, so I used Martha Stewart’s gilding liquid in brass. I also happened to have this on hand. For the same look for less money, you could use Rub ‘n Buff. I love both of these products!
And here is our reindeer looking magnificent after his makeover! For the scarf, I used the same technique that I used on my duct tape curtains.
He adds some whimsy to our dining room and I just love him! I think I’ll enjoy him all year round :).
Beautiful decor! What are the dimensions of your faux deer head?
Hi Ashley,
I’m not sure of the exact dimensions. I have a link to the deer that I bought on Amazon to create him. Perhaps they list the dimensions there? Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thank you for sharing your project. It looks great! Did you use Annie Sloan wax on your deer head? I am trying to decide whether to use chalk paint or spray paint on mine.
Chalk paint or spray paint would work. I don’t remember if I used wax to seal the paint or not. It’s held up great though!
Fantastic idea; I am going to try sculpting one also.
Great post! I’ve had my eye on this gold polka dot deer from Near and Deer on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/165409978
I might attempt to recreate that one!
Completely brilliant, Beth! Absolutely lovely!
g i n a
Thank you so much Gina!
that’s the same deer i bought for my deer project! http://www.ohsweetjoy.com/2012/11/DIY-faux-taxidermy-wall-art.html
he’s about to get a makeover for the holidays 😉
Great minds girl! 😉
Thank you! I am obsessed with deer this year for some reason and really wanted a resin-like white one. I bought a small sparkly one at Homegoods but I think I will try this out now too!
Great idea! This is really a fabulous make over! I’m sure the deer is thanking you!
Ha! I know my husband was. He was a tad worried about me when he saw the creepy dear sitting on the counter. He thought I might be entering into some bizarre “lodge decor” decorating stage ;).
Beth, I love the new deer! I have wanted one for a while but the price has stopped me. Thanks for sharing your source.
xx,
Sherry
You’re welcome! I was so excited when I found him on Amazon :).
I found this site that has a ton of animal heads in addition to deer.
http://www.whitefauxtaxidermy.com/the_forest
Some can get expensive, but some are under $100. This DIY is pretty darn cool though! I wonder if I can find a resin moose? hehe!
Yes, I saw that site too and their deer look EXACTLY like mine. I’m pretty sure they buy the same ones and paint them :).
I think so, too! So now I just have to find their moose. 😉
Got ya covered: http://amzn.to/IsqrK4 🙂
Thanks ever so much! I hope my moose turns out as beautimous as your deer. 😉
Target’s holiday line has a ceramic hanging deer head (not as large, but still a good size) for $40. I’m going to splurge on that one and paint the antlers gold. But if someone wants one all white – it’s $39.99 and ready to hang. Can’t get much better than that, either!
http://www.target.com/p/threshold-decorative-stag-head-wall-sculpture-18/-/A-14617893#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=stag
I loved the Target one too! But it’s smaller than what I wanted.
Good to know! I’ve been debating between that one and finding something larger to hang from my old fencing panel above the fireplace. Sounds like I need to do some size comparison before buying! Thanks!
Well, this is CLEVER and amazing! Thanks for the inspiration! Pinning now.
Thanks Tasha!
Love it!! And Merry Christmas to you, lol!
Ha! Gotta love an early gift to myself :).
Love the makeover…he looks better than your inspiration pieces!
Thanks Jennifer!
Oh my gosh I have been looking for a large deer head like this to spray white!! $50 is WAY cheaper than the one’s I’ve been finding. Heading over to Amazon right now:) You did a beautiful job by the way:) So festive!!
xo, amy
Oh good! Glad I could help :).