Elk Antler Bench

Thjis creation was  inspired after my wife and I took a trip to Vail, Co. While shopping we came across some furniture utlizing deer and elk antler.(Chairs, lamps,etc) We were both drawn to the Western look and right then I decieded to test my skills in creating something using antler sheds, animal hides and fancy tacks. My final design ended up to be a coffee table/sitting bench. Simply place a piece of 1/4 inch plate glass on top and you've a a solid surface. The bench measures 40"WX22"DX18"H. Instead of cow hide I found an ad on Craigs List for a Zebra hide. I built a wood frame, attached six elk antler sheds, a three inch foam top and 1" batting around the sides. The antlers are secured with sloted carriage bolts fastened with  tee nuts. I created a jig to precisely cut the antlers on my band saw to achieve a leval base. I quickly read a book on upholstry and determined that I could cover the bench myself. Total cost, lumber and screws & glue $40, Zebra hide $125, elk antlers $180, tacks $30, bolts and tee nuts $20. foam top and batting $40. I also dyed the antlers black to match the zebra hide using a water base concrete dye from Home Depot.I kept the tail of the zebra on the hide for a unique look. The elk antlers are extreamly strong. As a 250 lb woodworker I can stand on the bench without fear of the bench breaking in two.