How to Make a Wooden Shield

Brave, knight, you have proven yourself worthy to have a fine shield. You have gone on many quests and fought many battles. Now you must use your talents and bravery for one more challenge. You must collect the items listed below, and you must begin the quest of making your own wooden shield.

Things You'll Need

• Large paper for pattern
• Large piece of ply wood
• Saw
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Sand paper
• 2 feet of woven strap
• Staple gun
• Acrylic paints (optional)

Instructions

1. Start with a large sheet of paper and make a pattern. The pattern needs to be the same size as the shield, so make sure it is big enough. Keep drawing outlines of shields until you are happy with one, and then cut it out.

2. Transfer the shape of your pattern to a piece of wood you will use for your shield. Use tape to hold the pattern down, and trace the pattern with a pencil.

3. Use a saw, and the help of an adult, to cut the shield shape out of the wood. Then smooth out the edges of your wooden shield with sandpaper. Keep working on smoothing the edges until they have no roughness or splinters. This may take a while.

4. Cut about seven inch length of two strips of strong fabric, such as the plastic woven strap you'd find on a backpack. Place the strips about 10 to 12 inches apart on the back of the wooden shield. Make sure to lay them so they are up and down. Secure them in place with a staple gun. You will put your arm through these straps to hold your shield.

5. Decorate the front of your wooden shield. You can use paint or fabrics or other craft items.

Resources

• Advanced woodworkers can find a pattern to make a curved shield.