Making Gourd Rattles

Today I wanted to design some gourd rattles.
Here is what I have done so far.

1. Take 3 clean bottle gourds and cut a hole in each end. I started the hole with a drill, then used a gourd saw to cut it. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask. I worked outside to have good ventilation.
2. Scrape all the seeds and membranes out of the gourds. 
3. Find a branch that feels good as a handle. I used eucalyptus from my yard. I like the way they look with the bark on and it is a lot less work.
4. Smooth the holes out. I used a Dremel with a sanding attachment.
5. Get the handles to fit as well as you can. Smooth out any imperfections in the wood with a file or sandpaper.
6. Find gravel to put inside the rattle. Don't forget to put it inside before attaching the handle.

Next time I'll figure out how to embellish my rattles. I'm thinking woodburning, beads and feathers. We'll see. 

Gourd Rattle 1

Gourd Rattle 2

Gourd Rattle Three

Holding the 3 gourd rattles.

Now I need to attach the handles.

More branches for the next time.

Teeny Tiny Bow and Arrow Set DIY

Source: slowrobot.com via Theodora on Pinterest

You know I have all these parts. I'm so tempted to do this.

Lots of New Bowyers in the Making

Ready to make bows from boards.

Gabriella finishes her first bow.

Guy explains the process.

Now to get everything all drawn out.

Oops, splinter.  Always keep a pair of tweezers handy when working on wood.

Bow horse and splinter removal

Yesterday we had a great turn out at the archery range. Four young ladies showed up to make bows. So Bill helped them out by donating boards, and Guy helped them lay out the lines and get started. Gabriella was there and she finished the bow she started 2 months ago. It looked fantastic but turned out too light for her draw. It will make a great present to someone with a weaker set of shoulders. She'll have to make a new bow for herself. Or cut off the tips to make the bow stiffer.  Guy helped her put together a bow string.

Terry was working on his bow, but he got a little heavy handed and dug in too deep.  I don't think his bow can be saved. It's a learning curve.

John Scordo brought a bow he made that was the most beautiful laminated bow I have ever seen. Hopefully I got a good photo of it so I can show you. It's hard shooting photos in the shade.  A lot of them don't come out. Somewhere my camera is buried in yesterday's tote bags.

Guy tests out John's bow.

John explains how he made it.

Ken and Barbara weren't there because she's just about ready to bring a new life into the world. It's too dicey to be that far from home in case that little thing called labor starts.  We wish the Villars family the best with their new arrival.

Lizard sunning itself on a rock.

Me in my wet bandana and sunhat.

Stalking a squirrel

 Gabriella finishing her longbow.

See you all next month.

Photos From Paleoplanet October 18, 2009

I was so busy I didn't get to take a lot of photos. The dog's name is Biscuit and he was a total riot. I worked on my berimbau, and my atlatl darts. I never even got around to my beadwork.

March 17 Paleoplanet Gathering Photos

We had a good time last Sunday out at the Pasadena Arroyo. It was a chilly overcast day and the sun only poked out it's smiling face a few times, but we were just happy it didn't rain. We were busy making bows, atlatl darts, beadwork, gourd water bottles, quivers and all those things we love to work on. This weekend many of us are going to the Sierras to an event called Springville and in a few weeks the atlatl throwers are off to an event in NV called Valley of Fire. So much to do, so little time.