| Here is a fun project and one that many wouldn't | | | | the success of our bow and arrow. The center of |
| think of at first. In fact though, in past times | | | | the bow should be thick but its ends should be |
| many people needed to do this for survival | | | | whittled enough to bend but not break. |
| although now it is more of an exercise to do | | | | With arrows, we may choose the wood varieties |
| something fun and unique. | | | | above or opt for black locust, oak, or elm. They |
| This project is making a bow and arrow. | | | | should be 2 feet long and ½ inch in |
| No hold on, making a bow and arrow takes | | | | diameter. Whittle the entire length to make them |
| patience and careful judgment. Everything should | | | | straight and smooth. At the end of each arrow |
| be done in the right proportion to attain balance. | | | | should be a tiny V or U shaped notch where we |
| Thus, the right amount of whittling is crucial in | | | | insert the string of the bow for a perfect bow |
| bow and arrow making. It is certainly an art. | | | | and arrow set. |
| Seldom can we make a perfect bow and arrow | | | | The bowstring is a hemp string about 3 and 3/4 |
| the first time around. It needs a lot of practice | | | | to 4 and ½ feet in length. Tie the ends to |
| before we can come up with accurate ones. But | | | | the notched ends of the bow. Make sure it's ends |
| the correct procedure in making them matters a | | | | are looped securely around the half-circle notches. |
| lot. So here are correct steps in making a bow | | | | Also, the bow should be curved a bit when the |
| and arrow. | | | | string is already attached. Put a tail at the rear |
| Select an appropriate wood for our | | | | ends of the arrows using small triangular |
| bow-deadwood of hazel, ash, yew, or hickory. | | | | cardboards (1 and ¼ inch base and 3 and |
| Wood selection is crucial for our bow and arrow. | | | | ¾ inch height) glued about an inch away |
| Usually the correct length for the bow is the | | | | from the rear tip end. |
| height of the user. It should also be flexible and at | | | | For an effective bow and arrow, remember to |
| least an inch in thickness. Then we cut a half-circle | | | | whittle just right. The bow and arrow should have |
| notch at one end of the bow. From the tip it | | | | balanced bodies. The hemp string should be |
| should be an inch away. | | | | shorter than the bow. And the bow material |
| Make the notch deep enough, about halfway | | | | should be strong and straight. |
| through the thickness of the wood. The half-circle | | | | After making our own bow and arrow we can |
| notch should be at a 90 degree angle with the | | | | try them out in the woods. Practice hitting |
| side of the bow facing outward. Then carefully | | | | targets. Remember, often our bow and arrow |
| whittle the ends of our bow. Whittling is another | | | | are only as good as our skills. |
| crucial thing in bow making and a key factor in | | | | |