How to Make a Greek Shield

A Greek shield can be made from either metal or wood. The main point about a Greek shield is the shape (round) and the leather handles on the back side of the shield through which you put your shield arm.
Decorating your shield can be one of the most enjoyable parts of making a Greek shield. All Greek shields were decorated around the edge and most had decorative pictures painted in the center as well. Use your imagination and have fun decorating your shield.

Things You'll Need

• 2 by 2 sheet of 1/2 inch plywood Jigsaw Coarse sandpaper Hand plane Paint Artist paint brushes 2 leather straps 2 inches by 10 inches 4 1/2-inch wood screws 4 washers

Instructions

1. Trace a circle 24 inches in diameter on your plywood. Either trace around another circular object 24 inches in diameter or make a simple compass from a string and a pencil to draw your circle.

2. Cut out your circle using a jig saw.

3. Smooth out the edges of your circle with coarse sandpaper and or a small hand plane.

4. Draw a line on the back of your shield which passes through the center of your circle. This line should divide your shield evenly in two.

5. Lay your arm along the line you have just drawn, with the line just below your arm. Mark two spots on the line where you feel it proper to attach your leather straps.

6. Using two 1/2-inch wood screws with washers, attach one end of your leather straps to the two point you have marked on your center line.

7. Lay your arm back in place and loop the straps over your arm. The straps should be snug but not too tight. Mark where the leather pieces need to be screwed down in order to create two straps on the back of your shield into which you can insert your shield arm.

8. Using your remaining 4 wood screws and washers secure the free ends of the straps straps to the shield. You should now be able to insert your shield arm into the straps and hold your shield in front of you like an ancient Greek warrior.

9. Decorate the front of your shield with painted images. The entire circumference of your shield should be painted around the edge, and the center of your shield can be painted with any "Greek" images you like. Images can be traced onto the shield or simply pained freehand.