A long bow for Joan of Arc

[Kirkll]

Years ago i had a gal call me and asked if i could create a take down long bow that looked like a one piece bow. She was into European reenactment in the 100 year war era in France, and told me she was a descendent of Joan of Arc. and sent me an old document with the original crest on her shield to replicate....

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So we started out with some Macassar Ebony and i crafted my first full overlay bow riser to match the limbs...

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Then after getting the bow complete i carved out a shield and did the artwork to match the Joan of Arc shield.

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She was very pleased with the finished product. The only regret i had was not getting photos of her with her reenactment gear. 

Here is a copy of the finished bow album link if you would like to see more photos.

https://goo.gl/photos/YuFHmY7FaBfuaoTw5

[Witherstick]

Definitely a work of art.  I am not aware that Joan of Arc had any children although others of her family likely did

[Kirkll]

Definitely a work of art.  I am not aware that Joan of Arc had any children although others of her family likely did

Considering Joan of Arc's  early demise,  I'd have to agree any family connection would have to be on another branch of the family tree. 

[Rob DiStefano]

Beautiful longbow ... I want one.  Oh wait, I have one on order, and with blind limb mounts.    

[Bowsey Wails]

Kirk, that is one sweet bow. Your artistry is magnificent.

[Kirkll]

Kirk, that is one sweet bow. Your artistry is magnificent.

Thank you sir.... I've had some interesting art projects over the years. A Black mamba snake carving, elk antlers, water Buffalo, and even a dragon...

I need to find those photos of that black mamba bow... that one came out really cool with the head of the snake that was carved coming out of the top of the riser, and the body wrapped around the grip and lower part of the riser done in acrylics.

That one went to South Africa to a customer.     Kirk

[Bowsey Wails]

Thank you sir.... I've had some interesting art projects over the years. A Black mamba snake carving, elk antlers, water Buffalo, and even a dragon...

I need to find those photos of that black mamba bow... that one came out really cool with the head of the snake that was carved coming out of the top of the riser, and the body wrapped around the grip and lower part of the riser done in acrylics.

That one went to South Africa to a customer.     Kirk

Would love to see those photos. Hope you can find them.  Tim

[RIVERWOLF]

...that is a Beautiful bow !      The way you design/shape your risers Kirk, I'm going to guess they are very balanced in hand .   Outstanding craftsmanship . 

[Kirkll]

...that is a Beautiful bow !      The way you design/shape your risers Kirk, I'm going to guess they are very balanced in hand .   Outstanding craftsmanship . 

Yes...They balance out in the hand very nicely.  Here is another one that is a full overlay riser, but doesn't have blind limb mounts. Black walnut footed riser, with leopard skin silk under clear glass.

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Here is the build album on that one if you'd like to see more photos.   

https://photos.app.goo.gl/65qB8TLhqTR4FJzB6

This video shows how I hand shape all, my risers. It's included in the last link but doesn't show it as a video... it's kind of long, but shows the hand eye coordination used in shaping the grip from a block to finished product if you are interested in watching.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/i4VinbircDAaozeZA


Kirk

[Terry Green]

Fat leopard skin is awesome.

[Kirkll]

The thing that surprised me was that using silk under clear glass definitely increased the draw weight. But after seeing the self bowyers use silk as backing material, it makes sense. 

It was a tricky procedure to put together with epoxy...     What a mess!

[Rob DiStefano]

The thing that surprised me was that using silk under clear glass definitely increased the draw weight. But after seeing the self bowyers use silk as backing material, it makes sense. 

It was a tricky procedure to put together with epoxy...     What a mess!

Yikes!  In that case, not for me!

[Bowsey Wails]

Amazing stuff. Love the build album.

[Homey88]

Wow! That's awesome!