Things You'll Need:
- Stick or piece of wood or antlers or bone pieces
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Paintbrush
- Polyurethane
- Knife
- Dremel with carving attachments
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Step 1
Pick up a sturdy branch along the trail and walk with it for a while to see if it is the right size for your. Find one with a natural curve at one end that you can use as a handle. Pluck off any little branches that might be sticking out on the stick, then peel off the bark. You shouldn't need to sand the cane at this point because it will be naturally smooth directly under the bark.
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Step 2
Cover the naturally formed walking cane with varnish or polyurethane to maintain its shine and integrity. Add a rubber tip to the end to finish it off.
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Step 3
Purchase a rounded piece of wood from a hardware store or wood dealer if you don't find one in the woods that suits you. To measure the proper length, your elbow should be bent about 10 degrees when your hand is lying on the top of the cane.
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Step 4
Carve the smooth wood with a Dremel tool or a small knife. Follow a pattern or make your own scrolling. Lightly rub the cane with steel wool or 120-grit sandpaper after each new carving.
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Step 5
Take a smaller piece of wood and cut a hole through it to fit over the top of your new cane to form the handle. Fill the hole with glue, place it sideways over the top of the cane, and let it sit overnight. Sand and shape the handle so that it feels comfortable in your hand. Seal the entire cane with paint or polyurethane.
