Step 1: Make the stave
Find a straight or slightly curved live branch
about 4 or 5 feet long with a 1 to 1 ½-inch diameter. Choose wood that flexes
without cracking. Use a saw or a knife to cut the branch from a tree, then
whittle off any smaller branches and knots.
Step 2: Carve the notches
Make a horizontal, ½-inch deep groove an inch
from both ends of the branch on the outside of its natural curve. Then, carve
out the wood between the grooves and the ends, forming two notches. This is the
stave, or wooden part of the bow.
Tip
For a more finished look, whittle the bark off
the stave, sand it, and wrap twine tightly around the middle as a grip.
Step 3: Prepare the twine
Measure and cut a piece of twine about 6 inches
shorter than the length of the stave. Tie one end of the string securely around
one end of the stave, on the notch. Tie a slipknot on the other end of the
twine, forming a loop.
Step 4: Get in position
If you're right-handed, hold the string-free end
of the stave in your right hand and the slipknot in your left. Rest the other
end of the stave against the outside of your left foot. Step over the stave
with your right foot. Reverse this position if you're left-handed.
Step 5: Bend
the stave
Bend the end of the stave towards the slipknot,
using the leg that's in front of the stave as a fulcrum. Slide the loop of the
slipknot around the notch and gently release the stave, forming your bow.
Remove your leg from between the stave and the bowstring.
Tip
Loosen the bowstring whenever you're not using
the bow to keep it from getting too loose.
Step 6: Make the arrow
Sharpen one end of the dowel rod with a pencil
sharpener. Light a candle and run the point through the flame it until it turns
black to harden the wood. Carve a small groove in the other end of the rod for
the string.
Tip
Whittle small straight branches into arrows if
you don't have dowel rods.
Step 7: Make the feathers
Cut heavy card stock paper into three right
triangles an inch wide and 2 inches tall. Fasten them to the base of the arrow
with superglue.
Step 8: Shoot
Now all that's left to do is test out your DIY(do it yourself) bow and arrow with a little target practice! Bull's-eye!
You Will Need:
• Saw
• Knife
• Tape measure
• Tree
• Scissors
• Thick nylon twine
• Knowledge of knots
• 25" long 3/8" dowel rod
• Pencil sharpener
• Candle
• Matches
• Heavy card stock paper
• Superglue
• Targets
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Thin straight branches (optional)
You Will Need:
• Saw
• Knife
• Tape measure
• Tree
• Scissors
• Thick nylon twine
• Knowledge of knots
• 25" long 3/8" dowel rod
• Pencil sharpener
• Candle
• Matches
• Heavy card stock paper
• Superglue
• Targets
• Sandpaper (optional)
• Thin straight branches (optional)