mulberry branches

[JStark]

I stumbled upon a great article by Mickey Lotz this morning, where he writes about the great Native American style of D-bows.  In it, he mentions that many of these were made out of mulberry branches.  So, I tried googling directions for making bows out of mulberry branches (as I have a ton of them, but I can't cut down the whole tree).  I got nothing.

Does anybody have directions on making a D-bow out of mulberry branches?

[Al Snow]

If he's not out hunting or something, Mickey should be along shortly to answer your question.  He's a regular here.

[bosteldr]

Try Primitive Ways site for ideas:
This page tells how to make a bow from sapling.

 http://www.primitiveways.com/sapling_bow.html

Find site at:  http://www.primitiveways.com/index.html#anchor687262

Dave B

[Pat B]

You will want to use the top of  the branch as your back. That is the tension side and is best for bows.
   If the branch is big enough, use only heartwood but if it is a small branch, you can use some of the sapwood on the back.     Pat

[JStark]

Thanks for the advice, guys.  I'll be cutting some branches this week, and see if I can get anything out of 'em.

Oh!  One more question:  Do I need to coat the ends with shellac?  Or do I split 'em and then just let 'em dry?

[onemississipp]

You will need to seal the ends and the back if you strip the bark off.

you can use glue, shellac, spar varnish, ect..

[ishiwannabe]

Interesting thread....I too have an ample supply of mulberry branches. I will be checking back...