hey im new at archery in general thought id make something that wasn't a bare branch. living in California we have california black walnut and i found saplings. so i got an inch thick by 4 feet or 48 inch staff of white sapwood with a little amount of heartwood then i began a rough tiller. i used many kitchen and pocket knives leaving about a 7/10ths inch deep D shape as sapling bows typical are the handle of the belly is slightly thicker. i trimmed nocks on the circumference of the tips with a knife. later i sanded smooth with 100 grit paper for even tiller.
After adjusting tiller i was eager to put a finish on, i decided to be primitive and rubbed the husks of black walnuts on the wood leaving a medium dark stain. to sting I used two strands of thick hemp twisted tightly,(as one strand alone broke). the bow is now shooting after 3 weeks of work and bending nicely with only a few inches of set. so here are some pictures i have just taken tanks for looking.
sky
in draw (two finger grip)
profile
top nock
bottom nock
