How to Make a Shield out of Bark

For those of you who wished you could have fought with the Roman legions or gone to battle with King Arthur, make yourself a shield. It does not have to be expensive, but it can be as grand as you like. All you need is some good, solid bark. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Choose a likely tree from which you can cut some bark to make a strong bark shield. The bark should be intact and not rotten. If it is rotten, the shield will be brittle and fall to pieces when struck.
2. Cut off a piece of bark. The size and shape is up to you. You can go for the round or three-pointed shields of the Romans, or go big with the great medieval shields that are 24 inches long. Choose your era and your shield.
3. Trim off any brittle sections of bark, so that only the strongest portion of the bark remains. Cut the bark into the general shape of the shield you want, then soak the bark until it grows pliant enough for you to flatten it out with bricks. Do the final shaping when then bark is flat.
4. Put the bark shield on the ground so that the back of the shield faces up. Make holes where your elbow will be when you hold the shield. The holes should be spaced apart at approximately the same thickness of your arm. Make two more holes where your hand will be. Try to make these holes as near as the center as you can manage, or at least about the same distance from the bark shield's edges. Marking the placement of the holes first before making them can save you from putting them in the wrong places.
5. Create straps for your bark shield out of leather cording or shoelaces. Put the straps through the holes, and use sliding knots so you can adjust the straps so they fit your arm. Remember to keep the heavier end of the shield pointing downward. Remember also that the strapping should be as tight as possible so the shield doesn't strike you when someone strikes it.
6. Decorate your bark shield however you like. Create your own coat of arms and go to battle. You will be able to defend yourself with a fine bark shield.