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One young man I know has been trying all winter and early spring to make a bow and arrow that actually works. He's consulted our neighborly boy scouts, guides, and on-line sources, but nothing seemed to work.

One night as this young man was complaining to his mother that this is an impossible task, someone's father overheard and said,"On the weekend I will teach you how to make the greatest bow and arrow."

The young man doubted that his father held this knowledge in his well used craw but he was game nonetheless. What did he have to lose?

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The important thing is that the stick bends well. A young spring sapling is best.

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Next measure double the length of thread as your bow size. Now make three threads the same size.

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Braid them.

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Cut notches into the side on both ends of the stick.

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Tie one end of the braid into the first notch. Then tie it onto the other side. Now we're ready.

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Mimi was majorly impressed with this new "toy" and needed one of her very own. So off to the bow and arrow maker she went.

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And all were very very happy. The End.

 Be sure to check the outdoor challenge!!!
 
   
   

19 responses to “Bows & Arrows”

  1. Heather Avatar

    That must have been such a cool moment, to realize that his father knew all along how to make something he so wanted to learn. I just forwarded this to my husband and my brother.

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  2. Jacqueline Avatar

    This really looks like wonderful fun! It’s so amazing to know that your lovely hubby knows how to make bows and arrors! I hope you had a good weekend! Wishing you a lovely merry happy week and love to yoU!

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  3. suzanne Avatar

    Oh dear Valarie what a happy ending indeed!
    Our ancient African tribes used these and I have not even made one for my boy..I better get to work. Dad’s to the rescue..I hope our Dad eve’s drops too~ Such a simple weapon and they can have so much fun with it.
    I hope you are well Valarie .I am imagining you enjoying your Sunny days..green flowering garden..Lovely
    Lots of Love
    Suzanne

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  4. Mary-- The Yellow Door Paperie Avatar

    Awesome! What a great “toy”!

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  5. Nicola@Which Name? Avatar

    So cool. Dads are geniuses (or so says my husband)! 🙂
    Your children are gorgeous!
    Nicola

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  6. Lovely World Avatar

    My son would love to come over and make a bow! Your children are so beautiful, by the way. Very open and curious faces.

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  7. Jacqueline Avatar

    Dearest Valarie, i’m already thinking about making a few more pieces {buttons and blossom icases} available at the shop but it’ll be a while before any are added. 🙂 However, if you want a special one of your own with your favorite colors, contact me and i’ll whip you a custom make one! 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words, love and support you always sent my way! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

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  8. AG Ambroult Avatar

    Perfect. This exact same scenario happened in our home, except the end result was not at all successful. I think braiding the 3 strands together is the key to success. Thanks for this. My girls are going to be psyched when I come up BIG with this information.

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  9. Ren Avatar

    Hello! What a great project and one that the whole family was able to enjoy together – picture taker and bow makers!

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  10. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Hi Heather!! The coolest thing was watching the extreme joy my husband had by doing this. It totally inspired him and he basically took over the weekend entertaining us with much of his hidden talents. It was a great moment for all.

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  11. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thanks jacqueline,
    I hope you are having a great week.

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  12. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Hi Suzanne. It was a happy ending and the arrows are still flying over here. Let’s hope for some bows and arrows over at your place.
    We are all very well here and you are right, I’m out in my garden spending most of my days outside. I love this time of year.
    Much love to you,
    Valarie

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  13. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    It is so much fun. We all have a bow now and are making more arrows as I write. Take care Mary.

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  14. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thanks Nicola for your very kind words. I do believe that Dad’s have their genius moments too……but maybe mom’s have theirs more frequently. lol Take care and enjoy this weather.

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  15. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Thanks Maribeth for your very kind words. I would love it if your son came over to make a bow and arrow. Seeing that it might not happen…..): please send me your email and we will send one for him. Everyone is busy making bows at the moment. Once he sees it he will be able to make his own, no problem.
    Take Care.

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  16. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    I’ll be contacting you. I would love one of these. Talk to you soon. Much love, big hugs, and hope you are feeling better.

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  17. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Braiding the strands is the trick. Own this tip and be the bow and arrow hero. Have fun. Let me know how it works.

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  18. Valarie Budayr Avatar

    Exactly. We had a blast.

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  19. Jacqueline Avatar

    Thanks so much sweet Valarie ~ i am feeling much better. 🙂 I am really looking forward for an opportunity to make something sweet for you. 🙂 Love to you and yours!

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