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DIY Bow and Arrow | Janel from Hating Martha

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Today we have Janel from Hating Martha with an awesome step by step. I have seen this project before but I think it’s one of those that gets passed down through generations and who knows where it started! Take it away Janel

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I adore this little craft. I am sure I didn’t think it up all by myself. My momma thinks I am that smart…but I know better. I probably saw it somewhere. So I am sorry if I skype your idea. Just throw a fit and I will fix it. But, I have had this little craft sitting in the back of my head and I finally just decided to give it a try. Perhaps I am not as original as I think. Let me be delusional and think I am oh so creative! Thanks. Cause in this house we shoot q-tips. It’s a carry over from youth group game nights. And it is a favorite fun time for us. So, I thought it would be fun to make it legitimate. With real honest to goodness equipment. Ta-da!

A miniature bow and arrow set. How fun is that? The best part is that it is made out of simple things, it is easy, cheap cheap, and oh so fun!

The list of necessary supplies: popsicle sticks fishing line (you can use floss, too) q-tips.

Tools you need: craft knife or other sharp knife bowl of water

Okay. Here we go… You need to soak those popsicle sticks in water for at least an hour…or two. This makes them soft and bendable. At some point during their soaking cut two small slits on each end of the stick. Finish their soaking.

Now that they are nice and soft gently bend them into the bow shape. I recommend that you start in the middle and work your way out. If they don’t bend without breaking a bit, soak them longer. I usually soak more then I need because I tend to not wait long enough and break one. I don’t have patience.

When you have your nice shape tie the fishing line to one end using the notches to keep it on the stick. Wrap it around a couple times then bring it down to the other side. Wrap it around that side a few times. Bring it back around the other side and tie it off. I like to add a dab of hot glue just to make me feel better. And then it feels like a legit project :).

There you have it…the bow. Now the arrows are simply q-tips with an end cut-off.

I recommend putting little slits into the end of the “arrows” . This gives the fishing line something to grab on to. And its just cool. I like to draw some Native American designs on the bow. Tie up the “arrows” with some twine, pop the whole thing into a cute little bag I sewed up and ….

Isn’t that just the cutest! Now, these really work. No joke. My son had them shooting across the room. They do take a bit of coordination that this momma obviously does not have. But…I think little boys are born with the ability to shoot arrows… There you have it! Thanks for letting me share my creative nonsense with you!! Happy shooting!

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Allison Waken is a wife, mom of boys and Phoenix, AZ native. She has been creating inspiring content for All for the Boys since 2011. Allison loves travel, movies and spending as much time as possible with her family while she can!

7 Comments

  1. Cute idea! You could make some targets, too. Red and white circles layered together. They can be taped or placed around the house, as is, or you can add a little triangle of paper or cardboard for an easel to stand them up. I just bought some of these big sticks to make these bracelets (http://www.craftaffection.com/2011/06/super-cute-bracelets.html), so now I have another use for them!

  2. i am a sixteen year old girl and i am currently soaking my bow 🙂 so excited!

  3. StacyBarnes82 Reply

    Add some targets with the points of the Boy Scout Law written on them, and you have a great teaching tool!!! The boys have to shoot the targets in the correct order of the Scout Law. Throw in some extra "incorrect" targets too, just for good measure. You know, things that a Scout is NOT… bully, whiner, arrogant, rude, etc. Tailor those to the kid. My Webelos are going to LOVE this next week!!

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