Please give your input on my antler art !

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 1]

Hey Guys, I've been collecting shed antlers for quite a few years now and about two years ago I decided to start making good use of them. So I started cutting and carving my antler collection into a variety of functional and decorative pieces. It was tough to cut into those big deer and elk antlers but I decided that I would get more enjoyment from them by other people enjoying them. I've been honing my skills and coming up with new designs and my friends have been encouraging me to try to sell what I'm making. I showed a little of my work to Paul and he suggested that I put it in the Elknut store. Before we do all that I wanted to get some other opinions on my work. So, that's where you guys come in. I need your input to tell me what things are interesting and what things are not. I spend A LOT of hours on every piece and I can't afford to make pieces that won't sell. I'm going to price things on low side to help get my name out there and hopefully you all will benefit from that ! Also, I would be willing to make things from your antlers. If they have some sentimental value it's a great way to enjoy them ! If you think the prices are low or high, let me know that also.So fire away - let me know what you think. You can PM me if you want but your input is very valuable to me !

Thanks, Chris

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 2]

Okay, so here's the first one. Looks great sitting on a desk. I'd need to get about $65 for these...

Pen Holder

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 3]

Next one is pretty basic but it's versatile. You can use it as a toothpick holder or for whatever else you might want to hold...$30

Toothpick Holder

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 4]

Okay, one more and then I'll wait for some comments. I've got lot's of stuff but don't want to overload....

This is a "dish" made from the burr that you could put your hunt mementos in or maybe your wife could use it for her jewelry. How about $50 ?

Burr Dish

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 5]

Sorry, I should have also mentioned that I am not selling anything at this time, just looking for input. If there is enough interest I will sign up as an Elknut sponsor and put the items in the Elknut store. Thanks again !

by **planebow** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 6]

One other thing you can make is napkin holders, cut a slice about 1 inch and hollow. Your work looks nice.

by **ElkNut1** » 02 19, 2013 • [Post 7]

Awesome, I have the pen holder & it is sweet!!

I love the look of the jewelry cup, very cool. I think I may want one!

ElkNut1

by **Freebird134** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 8]

ElkNut1 wrote:Awesome, I have the pen holder & it is sweet!!

I love the look of the jewelry cup, very cool. I think I may want one!

ElkNut1

For all your jewelry Paul?

by **Indian Summer** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 9]

Saw this and had to have it. No I didn't do it myself but it looks easy.

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 10]

Indian Summer wrote:Saw this and had to have it. No I didn't do it myself but it looks easy.

I do some of that type of "one off" relief carving as well. It requires dozens, if not hundreds of hours per piece and then you have to find somebody willing to pay $$$$$ for artwork. That's why I'm focusing more on the functional, affordable pieces to start with. Here's a couple of the more involved pieces I have done. Sorry for the cel phone pics - really doesn't do justice to this pieces... -

Salmon Run

: Salmon Antler 001sm.jpg (74.19 KiB) Viewed 5732 times

: Salmon Antler 003sm.jpg (72.62 KiB) Viewed 5732 times

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 11]

Morels

: antler art 050.jpg (78.12 KiB) Viewed 5730 times

by **BrentLaBere** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 12]

WOW, that salmon run is awesome! Nice work.

by **Swede** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 13]

Huntrgathr: You have some beautiful art work. I give most of my antlers to my brother who does some fine work also. He says the same thing you do about how time consuming it is. I really like your mushrooms. How long did it take to make them?

by **one_elk** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 14]

Swede wrote:Huntrgathr: You have some beautiful art work. I give most of my antlers to my brother who does some fine work also. He says the same thing you do about how time consuming it is. I really like your mushrooms. How long did it take to make them?

I agree with Swede, you've done a great job and the mushrooms a especially cool, ahh to be talented...

by **Indian Summer** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 15]

I love the morrels! Are those for sale?

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 16]

Indian Summer wrote:I love the morrels! Are those for sale?

I'm gauging interest to see if I can justify the time spent both in creating and selling these pieces on Paul's site. Once I feel like there is enough interest, I'll list them and commit more time to the carvings. Thanks everyone for your comments so far !

by **JohnFitzgerald** » 02 20, 2013 • [Post 17]

It does look nice.

by **LckyTylr** » 02 21, 2013 • [Post 18]

Salmon and Mushroom were my favorites.

Lookin good.

by **otcWill** » 02 21, 2013 • [Post 19]

Very nice! I am also a fan of the carvings!

by **wawhitey** » 02 22, 2013 • [Post 20]

love the morel piece. what kinds of tools do you use to make these?

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 22, 2013 • [Post 21]

wawhitey wrote:love the morel piece. what kinds of tools do you use to make these?

A whole variety of tools are used - mostly rotary tools like Dremels and drills. Also band saws, sanders, polishing wheels with different rouges (polishes). The morels require 7 different rotary bits to get the desired look. Then 3 more finishing steps. The morels are a lot of work but I really enjoy them. I also pick morels (and other wild mushrooms) for a living so it's a cool way to tie together all the stuff that I do. I collect different mosses, pinecones and the wood for my bases when I'm out hunting.

by **Huntrgathr** » 02 22, 2013 • [Post 22]

Here's the inspiration for the carvings -

: 2012_05290001.JPG (132.87 KiB) Viewed 5620 times

Morel Trip to the Yukon in 2011

: 2011_10200176.JPG (193.08 KiB) Viewed 5620 times

Full load, about 120#