Bowmaking
Bowmaking at Tharwa Valley Forge is as much about the process as the finished bow. Shaping timber by hand fosters patience, focus, and creativity—offering a mindful way to slow down, connect with traditional craft, and experience the quiet satisfaction of bringing a bow to life.
In this course, run over one evening and a day, you will learn the fundamentals of crafting a bow from a single piece of wood, known as a selfbow. You will learn the theory, science and art of turning inert, milled timber into lively and unique flatbows. You will also learn how to make a simple Flemish Twist string, and make an armguard custom fit to your arm. At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to shoot your new bow.
The skills learnt on this course will enable students to make their own bows at home. While students may not have the equipment in our workshop, students will learn how to achieve the same results with minimal equipment.
Please note students are welcome to craft a bow of any draw weight up to the limit of 50 lb draw force.
In this comprehensive weekend long workshop you will fashion a longbow of sustainable Australian hardwood and beautiful bamboo, custom crafted to your own specifications. You will learn the theory, science and art of turning dead timber into dynamic and fearsome longbows. You will also learn how to craft bowstrings, and if you don't already know - be introduced to the rewarding pursuit of shooting a longbow.