If you're searching for Christmas mantel ideas, we've got a unique one for you! This DIY paper deer head is a beautiful handcrafted work of art and will spruce up any room for the holiday season. If you'd like, you could also remove the paper wreath around its neck and leave it up year-round. Due to the intricate details of this paper deer, we recommend using a cutting machine. But we have also included a PDF template for anyone who wants to cut by hand.
Project Includes
Paper Deer Head SVG Cut File Paper Deer Head Template Paper Deer Head Instructions Paper Deer Head Photo TutorialTools
- Cutting Machine (recommended)
- Craft Scissors
- Low-Temp Hot Glue Gun
Materials
- Cardstock — 3 kraft, 3 teal, 1 red, and 1 green 12x12" sheets
- Wood Slice – Large
- Felt (for the wood slice)
- 6" Red Ribbon — 1/4" or 1/2" wide
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Oh Deer!
Reminiscent of taxidermy trophies, this papercut version evokes a similar rustic vibe. Go for a stroll in the forest and find a wood slice that appeals to you (or you can always buy one online!), then create your paper deer head to mount onto it.
If you need some more decorating inspiration, we styled our paper deer on the mantel with this holiday wreath. Or you can explore all of our Christmas crafts for other ideas.
How to Make a Wood Paper Deer
- Gather the tools and materials listed above. Peel the backer off the wood paper and attach it to teal cardstock. (This will thicken the paper.)
- Trim your felt to fit the back of your wood slice. Glue a ribbon loop holder to the back of the wood, then glue the felt to the wood.
- Trim your pieces according to the pattern. Score and fold along the dotted lines.
- Flip over to the backside.
Full tutorial available for members to download below.
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Discussion
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9 Comments
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Ana
August 18, 2026 at 2:28am
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Lia
August 18, 2026 at 7:40am
@Ana
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jeff
June 30, 2021 at 6:08pm
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Lia
July 1, 2021 at 9:28am
@jeff
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jeff
November 28, 2020 at 8:31pm
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Lia
November 30, 2020 at 9:49am
@jeff
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jeff
November 28, 2020 at 3:37pm
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Naoise
December 4, 2017 at 5:13am
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Lia
December 5, 2017 at 10:24am
@Naoise
Back to the TopThe wood paper is sold out. Would you recommend a different one? Is it a peel and stick vinyl?
It was a real wood veneer, and it looks like they no longer make it. If I were making it today, I would use a kraft cardstock instead.
what would be the best setting for the birch wood sheet
There should be a setting for “Wood Veneer” that works great.
I saw the answer to my question. Also could you put both the wood paper and the teal card stock on top of each other and cut them out together, or do you need to do each on separate.
It’s best to cut them separately so the material sticks to the mat and won’t slide around.
How many pieces of that wood paper was used?
What size wood slice would work best?
Ours is a Large (about 10″ tall): https://www.michaels.com/walnut-hollow-basswood-country-round/M10057191.html