Mad River Antler Waitsfield VT Unique Antler Lighting Handcrafted in Vermont


NATURAL ANTLER SHEDS

Mad River Antler only uses antlers that are naturally shed each year from Moose, Elk Whitetail, Mule and Fallow Deer. Antler sheds are an annual renewable resource for these animals. This process is due to hormone fluctuations which stimulate the shedding of antlers and the re-growth of new ones.

During the amazing growing process, an Elk's antler can grow up to 2 inches per day. The new growing antler is covered in a fuzzy skin called velvet, until the antler quits growing and hardens at summer's end then the velvet dies. They then rub the shedding velvet on trees and shrubs to help remove it revealing white antlers. The rubbing develops their beautiful dark natural color.

There's no question that natural shed antlers are hot these days, with collectors paying top dollar for quality racks and everyone from hunters to hikers searching for shed antlers in fields and backwoods across the country. Over the past decade or so, a growing segment of the general public--including people who don't hunt, who have never actually seen a deer in the wild, or even who don't know that deer shed their antlers every year--has gone absolutely nuts about antlers.

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ANTLER LIGHTING CONSTRUCTION

ALL antlers are high grade natural shed antlers, Real Antler, NO reproductions!

Only UL Approved components are used in constructing lighting fixtures. All electrical wires are contained inside of the antler and professionally finished.

All dimensions and weights listed are approximate. Each piece is handcrafted and is unique. Custom designed items are available and are welcomed at no additional charge. Please contact us for pricing.

Additional light sockets on chandeliers are available upon request at an additional charge. Antler light socket covers are handcrafted using real antler and are included in the price.

Most fixtures include a generic light shade. However, specialty light shade options are available at an additional charge. Please note: Many of the fixtures are designed to accommodate clip-on type lamp shades including chandeliers.

Three feet of decorative antique chain is used and included. Additional chain, canopies and plug dimmers are available upon request.

Chandeliers and wall sconces come with a cord and plug that can be direct wired. Professional installation recommended for all direct wired applications.

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FAQ's - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

? How do I place an order?
Answer: We work with each customer on an individual bases. You can use the Contact Us feature on our web site which has a form you complete and submit. We will get back to you within one business day to get the ball rolling. You can call us at 802-496-9290 as well. However, you may need to leave a message and we will return your call promptly. Lastly, we have a select number of items available On-Line. This is a secure section that we pay dearly for each month. Please feel confident that your credit card information will be processed safely. All online pieces are in our gallery in town. Orders are processed within 24 hours of receipt.

? What sets you apart from other antler chandelier companies?
Answer: Mad River Antler is owned and operated by artisan Ken Kenia. Ken believes and delivers great customer service and has a great attention to design and details. He believes that each piece that he creates is a focal point of the room. Each piece is artistically designed for perfect symmetry and balance. Each antler is cleaned, sealed and blended with other antlers to bring out the natural beauty of each piece when finished. As a added feature, Ken emails each customer pictures of the entire creation process for all custom orders. Our customers have considered our work heirloom quality to be enjoyed for generations to come.

? Are animals harmed to get the antlers?
Answer: Absolutely Not! Mad River Antler only uses "Shed" antlers or "Drops" as the locals call them. Moose, Deer and Elk "Shed" their antlers once a year, usually during late winter early spring. Ken calls it "Nature's renewable resource." The key is finding them before the mice, squirrels and porcupines chew on them. The outside elements such as the sun will bleach and crack them if left in the wild for several seasons as well. Thus, finding an antler in the forest or field with no chew marks and unbleached by the sun, RARE.

? Are the wires and areas of construction completely hidden and detailed out?
Answer: The wires are all concealed within the antlers and the places where it is attached and constructed are virtually invisible. We take great pride in our ability to artistically mask our holes that are created when running wire and screwing the fixture together.

? What size chandelier and how many lights should I order?
Answer: Depending on the size of the room, you have various options. We create each piece generally with higher wattage bulbs and highly recommend dimmers for them as well. Mad River Antler uses an interior design work sheet that we would be more than happy to share with you. Just email us at info@madriverantler.com and we will email you our Interior Tips Sheet.

? Where do you find all of your antlers?
Answer: Antlers have become a big business since they are very unique and one of a kind. Mad River Antler does find some but purchases the majority of shed antler from recreational hikers and shed hunters who have trained their dogs to find them (see: www.deersheddog.com). All shed antlers are obtained legally and from highly ethical sources. Mad River Antler is always on the look out for additionally sources. If you or a friend have shed antlers that have been obtained legally and ethically, we would be interested in hearing from you. Send us an email at info@madriverantler.com.

? How long will it take to get my custom antler chandelier after I order it?
Answer: We often have some of our more popular creations available in stock or in our gallery which could be shipped out immediately. Custom creations will usually ship in 4 - 6 weeks after it is ordered. We email pictures to our customers as we create your piece. This sets us apart from the other antler lighting companies.

? What is the difference between the real antlers and the cast antlers?
Answer: Cast antler reproductions are generally made of a resin and are therefore very light. They have not yet been able to match the natural brown hues that are in real antlers. These hues are a result of months in the forests rubbing against trees. Cast antler has a yellowish color thing going on and each one is the same in charter and shape.
Real antlers are very challenging to work with. When we create a piece, we must have many antlers to work with. Ken calls it, "getting the right antlers to work together." The end result is a truly one of a kind piece of art that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Lastly, Mad River Antler does NOT and will NOT ever use cast resin reproductions.

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ORDER INFORMATION

  • A select number of items are available Online.
  • To place an order and for pricing, contact Mad River Antler at (802) 496-9290 or e-mail info@madriverantler.com.
  • Some orders can be filled the same day they are received. However, since each piece is unique, allow up to 4 weeks for delivery.
  • Shipping and Handling costs are additional and subject to current UPS rates.
  • Customers are responsible for declaring your State Sales Tax for purchases via the web and phone orders.
  • We accept VISA, MasterCard, Money Orders, or Certified Checks.
  • Checks should be made out to: Mad River Antler LLC.
  • A 50% deposit is required when an order is placed.
  • Payment in full is due PRIOR to shipping any order. Mad River Antler will email and/or phone you with the Shipping and Handling costs, and the final balance due.
  • If you cancel your order on a "standard" design item (shown on the website), Mad River Antler will refund 50% of your deposit.
  • If you cancel your order on a "custom" designed item (new design, or re-designed item), the deposit is not refundable.
  • Orders are shipped via UPS and are insured for the full amount. When shipping within the Continental United States (not Alaska or Hawaii), Mad River Antler will be responsible for your shipment until it is delivered to you.
  • If your item arrives damaged, Mad River Antler will authorize UPS to issue a Call Tag and have it returned. Mad River Antler will process a UPS claim, and ship a new item as soon as possible. Any damage should be noted on the delivery receipt, and sent back to Mad River Antler, in the same carton you received it in.
  • Shipments outside the Continental United States are entirely the responsibility of the customer.

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LOCATION

Mad River Antler products are produced in the heart of the Green Mountains in the Mad River Valley of Vermont. Our workshop and studio is open by appointment only.

Mad River Antler products are available by viewing Retail Availability below. A select number of items are available Online.

Please use the Contact page to schedule a visit, complete the information form, email me at kkenia@madriverantler.com or call 802-496-9290.

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RETAIL AVAILABILITY

Mad River Antler is proud to announce that they are now part
of a Artisan Co-op named the NEW Bridge Street Emporium.


The emporium is located on 20 Bridge Street, Waitsfield, VT,
right behind the Artisans Gallery on Bridge Street.
We're open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm.

Trees - The only place to shop in Bolton Landing,
New York, for fine art and crafts.

Located in the center of town on Lakeshore Drive.
Contact them at 518-644-5766 for more information.


Bradley House of Fine Crafts and Art
- Located in the heart of
Warren Village, Vermont, 266 Main Street, Warren, VT 05674.

Get a map. You can contact them at 802-496-9714
for more information.

Please check back as we will be adding retailers to our website.

Please go to our Contact Us page for more information.

 

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LINKS

 

 

Visit Mad River Antler at the Lakeside Living Expo in Gilford, NH July 16-18, 2010

 

The Lakeside Living Expo
www.lakesidelivingexpo.com

Vermont Festival of the Arts
Vermont Festival of the Arts
www.vermontartfest.com
Mad River Valley Craft Fair
www.madrivercraftfair.com
The Adirondack Living Show
Adirondack Living Show
www.adirondackliving.com
Vermont Craft Workers Inc.
Vermont Craft Workers, Inc.
www.vtcrafts.com
Craft Producers
Craft Producers
www.craftproducers.com
Alces Post and Beam
Alces Post and Beam
www.alcespostandbeam.com
The best in timber framing
  Vermont Hardwood Pens
www.vermonthardwoodpens.com
Made in Vermont
Made in Vermont
www.madeinvermont.org
Log & Rustic Furniture Directory
Log & Rustic Furniture Directory
Companies, craftsman and retailers in the United States and Canada. The leading index of rustic & log furniture online (or off).
www.logfurnituredirectory.com
www.antlerfurnituredirectory.com
Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
www.madrivervalley.com
See what's happening in our neighborhood.
UPS
UPS
www.ups.com/content/us/en/index.jsx
Exclusive shipper for Mad River Antler.
Just click on the UPS icon to track your order.
Design FM
Design FM
www.designfm.com
Mad River Antler web developer. The best in the business.

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