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Creating a turkey fan mount is an exciting way to showcase your hunting trophy because it brings a unique rustic charm to your home decor.
I’m proud to share these 20 unique turkey fan mount ideas that I’ve designed, and I hope you find them as inspiring and fun as I did creating them.
Displaying your prized turkey tail fan can be an exciting DIY project that doesn’t have to break the bank. In this article, we’ll explore some innovative turkey fan mount ideas that are not only cost-effective but also add a unique touch to your decor.
From traditional wood plaques to more contemporary metal frames, there are numerous ways to showcase your trophy. We’ll delve into the details of each idea, providing step-by-step instructions, and tips on materials, placement, and preservation.
So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a thrift store treasure hunter, stick around to discover how to turn a turkey fan into an eye-catching piece of home decor.
Traditional Wall Mount
Since the beginning, the traditional wall mount has stood the test of time due to its simplicity and timeless aesthetic appeal. A standard fan strut mount is made by cutting a piece of wood into the desired size, then attaching the fan and other parts of the turkey you wish to showcase.
Choosing hardwoods like oak or walnut can bring out a classic look and complement your turkey fan beautifully. The fan spread, centered and displayed on this style of mount, can make quite a statement and accentuate your hunting achievement.
An added benefit is that you can choose to paint or stain the wood mount to match your home décor style.
Glass Display Case
Housing your precious turkey fan in a glass display case not only enhances its visual appeal but also protects it from dust, damage, and the wear and tear of time. These cases can be purchased pre-made or custom built, catering to the exact dimensions of your unique fan and spurs. Opt for a case with a hardwood base for a classic look, or with metal stands for a more contemporary feel. Pillar style cases even allow for a 360-degree view of your treasured item, making it a conversation starter in your space.
Remember to choose a location with indirect sunlight to prevent the colors of the fan from fading.
Rustic Barn Wood Panel
Opt for reclaimed lumber if you’re aiming for an essence of rugged charm. The rich character found in the knots, nail holes, scratches, and irregularities of each panel adds a unique touch. For a finished look, consider maintaining the wood’s original color or applying a light finish.
Space out your turkey fan and other hunting treasures evenly to highlight each piece against the rustic background. Additionally, weather-resistant sealant could be a worthy investment if positioned in high-humidity areas of the home.
Remember the key to captivating display—it’s all about harmonizing your proud catch with the weathered serenity of the barn wood backdrop.
Mounted On Driftwood
Harnessing the natural character of driftwood creates an intriguing and unique platform for your turkey fan mount. This style brings a touch of the rugged outdoors into your space, beautifully marrying the elements of water and land.
Identify a piece of driftwood that complements the size of the mount. Clean and treat it properly to maintain its longevity and natural look. Consider leaving space for the addition of other elements like turkey beards or spurs.
This alternative turns your hunting trophy into a conversation-starting piece of decor, effortlessly blending the rustic appeal of the driftwood with your proud catch. Remember, each piece of driftwood is unique, so no two mounts will ever be the same!
Display With Hunting Memorabilia
Complementing your turkey fan mount with hunting memorabilia brings a true sense of authenticity to your display. One great approach is to incorporate items such as spent shell casings, game calls, or perhaps even a favorite hunting cap. These personal additions help to tell a story and flesh out the narrative of your hunting experience.
Inclusion of these items should be tasteful and balanced. Arrangement is key. Adjacent placement of the smaller items, for instance, helps draw the eye across the display. Alternatively, larger items can serve as a backdrop to emphasize the prominence of the turkey fan.
Keeping a uniformed look can be achieved by choosing items with common elements such as color or material. Doing so instills cohesiveness in your display. But don’t get too caught up in it, remember, this is your hunting journey, unique and personal to you. Ensure it showcases that.
Ceiling Hanging Mount
Adjusting the mount height to eye-level instantly turns it into a conversation piece. A sturdy, thin rope or wire can be used to secure it. Consider a swivel hook for easy rotation and an all-around view.
1. Select a high-traffic area to showcase your trophy.
2. Keep an eye on the ceiling strength to support the mount.
3. Balance the mount in the center to establish symmetry.
4. Ensure sufficient lighting to bring out intricate details.
5. Carefully consider the mount’s positioning for full visual appreciation.
6. Install a safety hook or anchor for added confidence.
7. Avoid high-traffic doorways where an accidental collision might occur.
8. Remember to periodically dust to maintain the fan’s vibrant colors.
Through these tips, you can tastefully suspend your turkey fan mount, creating a unique centerpiece.
Tabletop Display
Having the mount displayed on your coffee table or side table keeps your proud trophy within arms reach and at eye level. This way, it always serves as a stirring conversation starter.
First, choose a base for your mount. This can be a piece of driftwood, a slab of polished stone, or even a custom-created base that mimics the natural environments of the turkey.
Next, ensure that the fan is properly preserved and dried for mounting. This process may take some time, but the result is well worth the wait!
Once your fan is ready, attach it to the base using wire or a mounting plate, which can be hidden at the rear of the fan. Some choose to display the fan in full spread, while others opt for half or partial spread — both adding equally to your room’s aesthetic appeal.
Additional elements like turkey beards or spurs can be incorporated to the display, thus elevating the complete look. Remember, your tabletop display should not only showcase your triumphant hunt but also blend seamlessly with your overall home decor.
Fireplace Over-mantle Piece
For a visually captivating decor, consider this homage to your hunting prowess. Positioning your turkey fan mount above the fireplace instantly takes center stage in any room. Here is a simple guideline.
- Ensure the fan is completely dried and cleaned before mounting to protect your household from insects or unpleasant odors.
- Mounting brackets are your best bet for secure installation. Remember, balance is key to maintaining an elevated position.
- Consider a decorative plaque as a backdrop to the turkey fan. This adds an extra layer of style and protects your mantel from potential damage.
- Frame your fan with stylish objects – family photos, small antique items, or nature-inspired decor to strike a perfect balance.
- Lighting plays a vital role. Make use of existing light fixtures or install new ones to showcase the texture and color of the fan.
Remember, selecting the right fan size proportionate to your fireplace will result in a cohesive look. Position it at eye level if possible for the greatest impact.
Turquoise Inlay Mount
Crafting a turquoise inlay for your turkey fan mount makes for an eye-catching piece. This technique will infuse a pop of color and a dash of the exotic. Start by selecting your piece of turquoise – you could go for either rough chunks or polished stones.
Next, carve an inlay pattern in the wood where you will be mounting the turkey fan. This could be a simple geometric design or something more complex like an animal silhouette.
Place your turquoise pieces in the carved out pattern. Use a robust adhesive to stick the turquoise to the wood. Allow the adhesive to dry completely. This could take several hours depending on the adhesive used.
For a smooth finish, consider using a clear resin over the turquoise. This will seal in the stones and provide a gleaming finish that is easy to clean.
Remember, using different shades of turquoise can add depth and interest to the overall composition. Each stone is unique, adding character to your mount.
Lastly, add your turkey fan to the mount. Position it so that the fan becomes the star of the show, and your turquoise inlay serves as a beautiful, contrasting backdrop. This rustic yet vibrant mount can be a remarkable conversation starter for anyone who sees it.
Cross-sectional Mount
Want to highlight the pure artistry of your turkey mount, with a flair for the dramatic? A cross-sectional mount is a great choice. This option involves cutting the fan into a cross-section, creating a unique, eye-catching presentation. It offers a rare perspective showing the layers and intricate detailing of the fan in a way other mounts don’t.
The real artistry comes in choosing where to place the cross-section. You have the freedom to make the piece as dramatic or understated as you wish. Whether highlighting the symmetry of feathers or focusing on textures and colors, the design is all up to you. Hardware stores can provide cuts in a variety of materials, from wood to acrylic, allowing the flexibility to find the best fit for your home. Whether your style leans more toward rustic or modern, the cross-sectional mount will definitely be a talking point.
For an extra touch, consider backlighting. Illuminating the rear of the cross-section adds depth and drama, enhancing the visual impact further. Play around with different light tones and intensities until you achieve your desired aesthetic. Remember, the goal is to create a piece that complements your style and showcases your hunting triumph in its best light.
Shadow Box Frame
The beauty of shadow box frames is their ability to create depth, adding another dimension to your turkey fan display. Not only will they protect your prized possession from the elements, they also allow for easy customization.
1. Depth Perception: A shadow box creates visual interest by showcasing the depth of the turkey fan which makes it pop out.
2. Customizable Backgrounds: One can easily add a fabric or a picture as a background, allowing personalization to match your room’s aesthetics.
3. Memorabilia: There’s ample space to include hunting tags or photographs.
4. Protection: The glass frontage safeguards the fan from dust or possible damage.
Remember that the frame should be as captivating as what’s displayed inside. Select one with quality and style that fits your room, making your exhibit not only an item of interest but an essential part of your home décor.
Seasonal Decoration Mount
Bring a taste of the wild to your holiday decorations with turkey fan mounts incorporating seasonal elements. Imagine your turkey fan encapsulated in autumn foliage for Thanksgiving, or intertwined with holly and twinkling lights for a unique Christmas display.
Even Halloween enthusiasts can join in with some creative cobweb draping or miniature pumpkin accents. Remember to use materials that won’t damage the preservation of the fan.
Another perk to this decoration style? You can change it to suit each season, keeping your decor fresh and different all year round. It’s an engaging focal point that tells a unique story every time it changes.
Leather Backdrop Mount
A rich, dark leather provides a stunning contrast to the bright, natural hues of the turkey fan. Start by selecting a decent-quality piece of leather as your backdrop, sized to fit your turkey fan. Seek an authentic, organic texture for a more rustic feel.
Now, arrange your fan and additional elements such as the beard or a photograph.
Realize that the leather backdrop isn’t just a support medium but an integral part of the display. The deep tones and the rugged finish of the leather adds to the organic nature of the exhibit. You might choose to pin the fan directly or use a supporting frame for stabilization.
Note, in maintaining the fan, be careful to regularly dust and keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage. This way, you ensure the vivid, beautiful showcase remains sparkling for a good number of years.
Finally, where to mount your completed piece is up to you. It could command attention as a central piece on a living room wall or blend subtly into a dedicated trophy corner in your study.
Mount With Engraved Bird Call
Integrating an engraved bird call into your turkey fan mount not only brings a unique feature to your display, but it also infuses a personal touch.
- Find a bird call that ideally blends with the overall design of the mount. Wood or metal calls both can work depending upon the mount materials.
- Getting the call engraved brings an added layer of personalization. Choices can range from the date of the hunt, species of the turkey, or the location of the hunt.
- For a seamless look, coordinate the type of engraving with other elements in your mount. A silver or brass engraving might match well with a classic, polished display.
- Positioning the bird call in a visible, yet unobtrusive spot is key. Too low it goes unnoticed, too high it might overshadow the fan.
- The bird call could be placed either vertically along the side of the fan or horizontally below.
- If you’re a frequent hunter, consider showcasing a collection of different bird calls as part of the display, making it not just a single fan mount but a memento of your collective hunting experiences.
Remember, while aesthetics are important, the sentiment behind the display is equally, if not more, crucial.
Camo-style Backdrop Mount
Lending authenticity to your turkey fan mount, a Camo-style backdrop serves as an ideal nod to the hunting tradition. This style uses a backdrop replicating camouflage patterns popular among hunters, mirroring the natural environment where the turkey was harvested.
Take note of these essentials when considering this mounting style:
- The camouflage backdrop can be a piece of camo fabric or painted directly on the panel.
- Try to match the camouflage pattern with the habitat of the turkey for a more personalized touch.
- This style is not only visually appealing but also helps preserve the feathers and details of the fan.
- Incorporating your personal hunting gear into the display adds a tangible narrative to your mount.
- Opt for neutral frame colors to avoid distracting from the camo display and fan.
The essence of a camo-style backdrop mount goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about celebrating the pursuit and environment which has made the feat possible. Enjoy the process of creating this project, making it truly meaningful for you.
Primitive Style Mount
Embodying a simpler time, the essence of the primitive style hearkens back to the early days of hunting. This style is unique, and reflects a distinctive charm etched in history.
Its key components include:
- 1. Simplicity: Primitive mounts embrace a ‘less is more’ philosophy. No glitz or glam, just the natural beauty of your trophy.
- 2. Raw Materials: Natural woods with rustic finishes or unpolished metal components are perfect for this style.
- 3. Personal Touches: Incorporate handmade aspects such as carved wooden backgrounds or hand forged metal embellishments.
- 4. Historical Accents: Historical artifacts or replica hunting tools set the stage for a bygone era.
- 5. Distressed Finishes: The aim is a weathered, well-loved look that harks back to the past.
- 6. Minimal Coloring: Stick to earthy tones, subdued shades and natural finishes.
Trophy Room Corner Mount
Positioning a turkey fan mount in a trophy room corner spotlights your hunting prowess, lending a captivating aura to the space. To actualize this setup, consider these key factors:
- Lighting: Install a spotlight or small LED lights to accentuate the fan’s details and colors. Ensure the spotlight isn’t too glaring; subtle lighting often works best.
- Distance: Elevate your mount at eye-level to make it easily visible without straining.
- Background: Choose a contrasting backdrop to make the mount pop. Dark shades or wood-work details can be ideal.
- Accompaniment: Surround the mount with smaller trophies or memorabilia to create a mini museum corner.
- Angling: With corners, it’s crucial to get the angling right. The fan should face the room’s point of highest foot traffic to get maximum attention.
Remember, your trophy room is a testament to your skills. Use this corner mount idea to showcase your prowess, tell a story, and add a unique element to the room’s aesthetics.
Mounted With Other Hunting Gear
Incorporating other hunting gears into your turkey fan mount offers an effective visual narrative of the hunting experience while adding an extra layer of authenticity to your décor. Here’s how to go about it without causing a clutter.
1. Positioning: Arrange smaller items like shells and calls around the base of the mount to balance the overall look.
2. Thematic Arrangement: Combine items from the same trip together. This helps to create a cohesive story and fosters a deeper connection with the room’s onlookers.
3. Highlight Key Gear: Showcase important pieces like a chest plate or beak, creating focal points and visual interest.
4. Layering: Consider layering items for depth. Layers pull the eye across the display, enhancing the visual appeal.
5. Contrast: Balance the display by using different materials and colors. This can help draw attention to specific items.
Display Alongside a Hunting Photo
Using a cherished hunting photo as part of the display adds a personalized touch to your turkey fan mount. It’s a narrative way of showcasing your hunting journey. The photo could be an action shot, a capture of the environment, or simply a picture of you with the turkey.
Here are some concepts to consider:
- Positioning: Decide if the photo will be at center or to the side of the turkey fan. Balance is key, as you want neither to overshadow the other.
- Frame type: Choose a frame that complements the turkey fan mount. Rustic, metallic, or minimalist frames can subtly enhance the display.
- Scale: Ensure the photograph’s size doesn’t overwhelm the turkey fan. A smaller framed photo generally works best.
- Harmonize: Appeal to color or theme coordination between the photo and the fan mount.
- Narration: Let the choice of picture tell a story coupled with the fan. Remember, each element should contribute to the overall narrative.
Outdoor Themed Presentation
Embracing an outdoor themed presentation allows the turkey fan mount to be an homage to the turkey’s natural habitat. This aesthetic fits seamlessly within homes with existing rustic or outdoor-themed decor.
1. Use natural materials: Choose a variety of woods like oak, pine, or cedar to mount the turkey fan. Leave the wood as natural as possible, highlighting its raw and homey appeal.
2. Include animal tracks: Create small imprints of turkey tracks around the mount board for an authentic feel.
3. Add foliage: Incorporate elements of greenery and plant motifs. Consider etched or painted leaves circling the mount’s edges, or real dried leaves and moss.
4. Integrate ecosystem elements: Feature miniatures or outlines of other animals from the turkey’s habitat. This not only engages viewers but initiatively educates them about ecology.
Adopting an outdoor theme for your turkey fan mount turns it into an eye-catching, aesthetic display that harks back to the majesty and wild beauty of the great outdoors.
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