Going Stag

The beautiful silhouette of a deer head is a popular design icon in today's décor. These DIY projects are easy, and make wonderful gifts for yourself or for loved ones!

Mounted Deer Head

Create a simple work of art with a Masonite frame and drywall compound.

What You'll Need

• 1/4" Masonite cut to desired size
• 1" x 2" pine, sized to frame the Masonite
• Designer Series Matte paint; shown: Long-John Grey CH04-0
• bristol board 5736-812
• hobby knife 1033-402
• spray adhesive 2020-075
• drywall compound 3 kg 1625-860
• putty knives 1630-612
• sanding block 1061-417

Here's How

• Frame the Masonite with pine, and paint the entire frame grey. Let dry.
• Enlarge the deer head silhouette to suit the size of the frame, and trace on bristol board.
• Cut the stencil with a hobby knife.
• Spray the back of the stencil with spray adhesive and position on the frame, ensuring stencil edges are tight to the frame.
• Spread drywall compound over the stencil 1/8" to 1/4" thick. Smooth the drywall compound surface with a putty knife. Remove stencil.
• Allow drywall compound to dry.
• Skim coat drywall compound over any cracks. Allow to dry, and repeat if necessary.

Finishing

• Smooth the edges and the surface of the dried compound with a light sanding.

Deer Head Placemats

Set your table with this classic look you can dine with all winter long.

What You'll Need

• 1/4" Masonite cut to 11 1/2" x 15 3/4" per placemat, round corners if desired
• gold spray lacquer 1730-130
• Beauti-Tone chalkboard paint (black) 1824-110
• deer head stencil
• bristol board 5736-812
• hobby knife 1033-402
• spray adhesive 2020-075
• sanding block 1061-417
• felt pads 2346-190

Here's How

• Cut placemats to size and sand edges.
• Spray edges with gold spray lacquer.
• Paint the top of placemat with black chalkboard paint.
• Enlarge the deer head silhouette to desired size and trace on bristol board.
• Cut the stencil with a hobby knife.
• Spray the back of the stencil with spray adhesive and position on painted placemat.
• Ensure the stencil edges are tight, and spray the stencil with gold lacquer. Usually two coats are required.
• Carefully remove the stencil. Repeat process for remaining placemats.
• Place felt pad feet on the backs of the placemats.

Chalkboard Option
Opt for this easier version to personalize placemats with guests' names, the dinner menu, mark an occasion, or engage in a competitive game of Tic-Tac-Toe!

Here's How

• Cut placemats to size, sand edges, and simply paint with Beauti-Tone's chalkboard paint, available in thousands of colours.