Behind the scenes of making my deer sculpture-
It is really not as complicated as you may think!
First, I literally went on Pinterest and searched for a deer silhouette photo. Once I found one that was the style I was looking for, I cleared a space on my work table and went to drawing.
The drawing didn’t need to be fancy. All I needed was a simple outline. I like to draw with a SilverStreak pencil or soapstone but a Sharpie would work just fine. The nice thing about using soapstone on a metal table… it’s super easy to wipe away all your mess ups. So here’s what I came up with-
Next, I got to digging! This is my favorite part. I get to dig around in my art supply buckets and boxes to collect my materials. I always end up needing a lot more material that I initially think I’ll need. So I go back to picking several times.
Then I start individually laying out each piece into the shape that I drew earlier. I try and fill in the entire area and leave the holes and space between pieces as small as possible.
Once I am satisfied with the design, I get to welding! I tack each piece together and do my best to have at least two or more tacks per item. The more points of contact the better. It makes the finished product much more sturdy and stronger.
I TIG weld most of my projects because of how small the little pieces I use are. If you are using larger pieces of material such as horse shoes, large bolts, railroad spikes, or other thicker metal, MIG welding it would probably be the easiest way to go.
After every object is attached, I flip it over and see the result! More often than not I will add a few small items into some holes that seem to stand out.
Then, I take a twisted wire wheel on my grinder and clean it up the best I can. I normally put it into my vise to hold it in place while doing this. But clamping it to the table works just fine too. Take a small wire tooth brush and clean up any small corners that the wire wheel could not get to.
Next, I take a damp rag and wipe down the whole project really well to get any loose rust or dust off.
Then, place it on a clean surface, I usually use a piece of cardboard, and spray with clear coat. I use a common all purpose rustoleum clear coat spray. Spray each side with 2-3 coats. Letting it dry completely in between coats.
And that’s it! You’re done! Share your awesome work and display it in a place where others can enjoy it as well.
Questions about any of these steps?
Please reach out to me. I’d be happy to help!
Browse my unique recycled metal art pieces here!
