As I assembled my fall mantel, one thing I really wanted to use to anchor it was a deer mount. But all the ones I kept seeing were too expensive for my budget! Like this one from West Elm, for instance. It’s made of papier mache and sells for right at $100: 
Cute? Yes! Budget-friendly? Not for me!
So when I saw these at a craft store, I knew my plan! I purchased this unfinished papier mache deer mount for an unbelievable $15 with a coupon.
I corralled that beauty and brought him home with me. Then I got busy with some chalk paint (I just used what I had on hand) and gave him a couple of coats.
I let the paint dry thoroughly between coats (he is papier mache, after all) and then gave him a good coat of matte finish Mod Podge. The Mod Podge gave him a tough finish, as well as a pretty, but matte, sheen.
As soon as he was dry, he was ready to be anchored to the wall as guardian of this year’s fall mantel!
And here’s a peek at the entire mantel – be sure to visit and get a better look!
I’m so thrilled with my faux deer mount, I just can’t tell ya. Watch for him – he’ll be showing up in other vignettes for sure! Here’s a pic to Pin:
And I’m sharing this simple hack over at the Home for Fall blog hop powered by Hometalk.com! Be sure to check out the links below for some great ‘fall-spiration’ by some of the best blogs out there!
Enjoy… see you next time!
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He is beautiful! I have been trying to find one for the longest time. You are just so lucky to find one. : )
Vanessa, I found him at Hobby Lobby! Thanks for reading!
Hugs, Sondra
Hi Sondra, I love how your fall mantel looks! That deer mount was definitely a steal. Glad you didn’t have to pay $100 for it :).
He is so perfect!
Ohhhh I want one! What a great idea, I’ve yet to see these in paper mache so I must look!
Love your fall mantel, the tone on tone look is stunning!
He turned out perfect! And your mantel looks gorgeous 😀
I love this – great way to be creative and save some money – I like yours better too 🙂
Amazing – it looks just like the expensive version!! Love.
Wow! What a good sized deer for only $15! I love how you painted him white… and I absolutely adore your entire mantle! Great job finding an appropriate guardian! So glad to “meet you” through the Home for Fall blog hop! Pinning for reference!
This is so great! I love it!