workshops & Courses
an immersive weekend of longbow making
build you own BOW!
Over two days, you’ll learn the theory of efficient bow design, the principles of material selection, how to mark up a template for a bow specific to your anatomy, how to rough-out the blank, the art of tillering [working the bow to allow it to bend evenly along its length], and how to finish it to perfection.
You’ll also learn the rudiments of cordage allowing you to make a flemish twist string to pair with your bow, meaning you’ll leave with a fully functioning, bespoke bow entirely of your own creation.
Depending on availability, we’ll work with a single piece of either ash, oak or maple, and the bows will be of a ‘board bow’ or ‘American flatbow’ design, just like the ones I make for sale.
No previous archery or bow making experience is required and all are welcome.
Courses on demand
With a workshop set in 5 acres of beautiful woodland in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, 45 minutes from Bristol, camping is available for those who wish.
The days run from 9am - 6pm and we’ll break for lunch around 1pm. The kettle is vital to operations at all times.
Time outside the workshop is yours to do as you wish: shoot on the range, set camp, build a fire or take a yomp through the woods. Or explore the haunts of Stroud & Nailsworth. Many a cosy pub awaits...
The cost is £250 per person to include all materials, tuition & space for camping. The course requires a minimum of 2 people to run, and can accommodate a maximum of 4.
Two-day courses are available throughout the year or commission one of your own!
“Rob is not only an expert craftsman, but an eloquent and inspiring teacher. His workshop was carefully planned and he made me feel at ease using tools and working with woods for the first time. I’d highly recommend this experience!”
Course calendar 2024
April
Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th
Two-day longbow workshop, Nailsworth, Glos.
May
Saturday 4th - Sunday 5th
Two-day longbow workshop, Nettlecombe Craft School, Somerset
“I’ve been a woodworker for 20 years and was delighted on Rob‘s bow making course to work with wood in a very different way. Focusing on the bend and spring properties of wood was really intriguing. It was super cool to have a really nice bow at the end of it.”
