Making Light About Antlers

Every autumn, male deer naturally shed their antlers. It is a curious gift from nature that, in the right hands, becomes something quite extraordinary. That is exactly what Joel creates in his Sydney workshop, turning these sculptural remnants into bespoke lighting, hardware and homeware.

Joel does not take antlers from animals that have been harmed. He sources naturally shed antlers from farms across Australia. Each antler is a story in itself, shaped by genetics, age, nutrition and the environment. They grow incredibly fast, reaching full size in about 120 days. Then they simply fall away and the cycle begins again.

Some antlers are smooth and pale, others richly toned. The colour depends on how the animal interacts with its surroundings. If the antlers have rubbed against trees, they absorb tannins from the bark. Others get their earthy tones from iron-rich soil. These natural stains create a beautiful variety of finishes.

Inside Joel’s workshop, antlers are sorted by size, shape and hue. He uses cable ties to mock up the designs, then joins them together with screws and resin, carefully painting each joint to blend seamlessly. The result is a truly original light fitting that suits homes with height, texture and soul. These pieces often find their way into mountain lodges, coastal retreats or country farmhouses, but they also work beautifully as sculptural moments in a city home.

Beyond lighting, Joel uses smaller sections of antler to create door handles and joinery handles, giving cabinetry a truly individual finish. Even offcuts are transformed into cheese knives or sold as dog chews. Nothing goes to waste. Everything has a purpose and a story.

If you are in Sydney, you can visit Joel’s studio in Glenorie. You might even catch sight of deer grazing nearby. Or you can explore his work online at Rapid Effects. Whether you are a designer, a homeowner or simply curious, this is a sustainable and deeply creative way to bring a little wild beauty into your home.

I had a great chat with Joel about this unusual yet beautiful natural product. Watch the video below.

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).