• Elk antlers provide numerous craft possibilities.elk image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Each year male elks shed their antlers. Therefore, there is no reason to injure an elk when using an elk antler in a craft project. In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, arches made from elk antlers are a tourist attraction. Craft enthusiasts find many creative uses for the shed elk antlers, and some artisans make their livings creating home accessories and works of art from elk antlers.
  
  

Furniture

• With the sharp ends of the elk antler pointed downward, antlers become table legs for primitive furniture suitable for a mountain cabin. "Mother Earth News" recommends making the table low to the ground, due to the unstable nature of antler-supported tables. In this way, create accent tables to decorate a rustic setting. By strategically arranging and securing elk antlers, crafters make one-of-a-kind-chairs, using the antlers to provide armrests, chair legs and even back support.
  
  

Sculpture

• Taking a cue from the elk antler arches of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, some sculptors use elk antlers to make enormous sculptures, such as the life-size deer sculptures created by the Peak Antler Co. The antlers are strategically fitted together to create a shape. Elk antlers are brownish red, long and straight and range between 2 ½ and 5 feet in length.
  
  

Holders

• The shape of the elk antler lends itself to a number of craft possibilities for holders, such as a candleholder, coat rack or gun rack. Depending on the shape and size of the antler, the crafter might turn it into a holder for a wine bottle, fishing rods or other items. Holders can be designed to hang on a wall, stand freely or or set on tables or counters.
  
  

Lights

• Piece together elk antlers to create a chandelier. When making a large chandelier, use elk antlers that are 5 feet long. Getting the wire in the chandler requires extensive drilling of the antler. Aside from dramatic hanging chandeliers, crafters use elk antlers to make floor lamps, table lamps, and the supports for other lighting fixtures.
  
  

Material

• Instead of using the entire antler in a craft project, or combining a number of antlers, the crafter can use a portion of one antler to fashion another item, such as a knife handle, salt and pepper shakers, pencil holder, bookends or a letter opener. Fashion buttons or jewelry from a piece taken from an elk antler. Carve or reshape a section of an elk antler. Look at the antler as a substitute for wood or stone in a craft project.