Decorating childrens selfbows- paint finish combo????

[Aram]

My friend, Rolando, and I will be guiding twelve children in a bowmaking workshop over the weekend. This time I'll post some pictures. I promise! It's a lot of fun and an interesting process. In the past we've used tung oil or even just linseed oil for a sealant/finish. We'd really like to let the children decorate the bows but haven't found yet just the right combo of paints/ finish. Anyone have any experience with these?
Most of the bows will be linnen backed board bows (titebond II for glue.) A couple of selfbows for the older children. We have quite a range 8-14 yrs old so we're trying to keep it interesting for every skill level. I'm not too worried about the stave bows as the older children will be busy enough chasing tiller but for the younger bowyers I'd love to find a way to beautify that linnen backing.
Thank you all, any sugestions will be met with glee!
Also if anyone has pictures of bow art please post them. I'm sure the children will love the inspiration.
Thanx again,
Aram

[vermonster13]

HAve you tried colored sharpie markers on the linen and putting the sealer over them to see if they bleed? Sometimes simple is the best.

[Aram]

Will try it! Thanx! Tomorrow is the experimentation day I'll atry all ideas. Did anyone try markers? What finish would go well over?
Another idea would be a fast drying (spray?) basecoat. We could do some shooting with my collection of bows from home while the bows in progress dry. And than get back to painting on top of the colored basecoat. Let dry overnight and apply the finish on Sunday....
Just brainstorming... Let me know what you think.
I'll get back to glueing for now, I'll check this in a few hours.
Thank you,
Aram

[BernzoP]

Aram, I don't have any experience decorating bows.(can I come to your class to make a bow?)   :p  

But, if you don't already know, sometimes markers will run and bleed, if you spray the finish coat on too heavy.

After the artwork is on the bow, very very lightly spary on the finish...let that dry, then do another light coat.  After that is dry, you should be able to go ahead and spray on a heavier coat.

Krylon #1311 Matte finish in the spray dries within a few minutes, is non-yellowing and moisture resistant. It also comes in glossy.

I've ruined some artwork I've done by signing it with a marker, then spraying too heavy & the signature ran right off.

Good luck

[Shakes.602]

A Good Stay-Put Marker is a "Pilot Precise ZING"
Pen. I got that from another member when I was Using a Sharpie on some Arrows I made for My Son. Most of it Ran, the thought of a Small Fire in the Grill Crossed my Mind, but He didnt care. Bless His Heart, "DAD made 'em Special for ME!!"

[Lost Arra]

Here is a linen backed bow I made (titebond III for the linen and wipe-on poly finish) My daughter dressed it up with an ASAT pattern using a waterproof acrylic paint from the craft store.

 

 

[Aram]

Great input awsome pictures. I printed the photos for the children. One of the big problems I see with young children is they try to draw whole scenes and the limited space leads to disapointment. I think the ASAT type pattern is a great idea. It could also be converted in vines, snakes, petals, leaves, etc  as some children might like representational images.
Awsome, keep them coming,
Thank you,
Aram

[sgrogg]

Here's my boy about 10 years ago with a bow he whittled and hacked out of a hickory board.  I think he used a felt tip Sharpie to "decorate" it.  Picture's been on stickbow all this time as part of Dean Torge's kid's bows feature.  Ain't kids great?!