Classes

Group discounts available for 2 or more students registering together. Contact Carson for more details. 503-410-6571

INFO for 4 Day Workshops:

These workshops are limited to 6 students.

In this class you will build your own osage or yew longbow from a premium stave.

Each day will be a full day starting at 9 AM Thursday, so please plan travels accordingly.

Tent camping is available, as well as limited RV space (no hook-ups). This is being held on a beautiful 4 acre wooded property in Stayton Oregon.

Nearby Lodging is available at http://www.birdandhatinn.com/ and http://www.rodewayinn.com/hotel-sublimity-oregon-OR185?source=gglocaloz and this AIRBNB site: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/7246083?s=9fzhmgK9

Dinner will be provided each day as well as snacks and drinks during the day.

Please notify us ahead of time if we need to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

This workshop is for Adults 18 years of age and wiser unless accompanied by a parent.

Discounted parent/child registration and group rates available.

For more information, see the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Start with a glued up pre-tillered Bamboo Bow Blank and leave with a sweet shooting longbow.

This Workshop focuses on tillering a bamboo backed bow blank into a bow that fits you. Various options available regarding wood choice and overall length. Bamboo bow blank and bow string included. The class focuses on the simple and effective longbow design.

The laminated wood bow or bamboo-backed bow is a great way to get started in making your own natural material bow. Starting with a pre-shaped blank allows for a two day class that focuses on the finer aspects of tillering.

Check back for upcoming dates or sign up for bow-making workshop emails above.

Full registration payment is due to reserve your spot in the class

Other payment options: mailing a check or money order to PO box 231, Stayton, OR 97383

We also accept Credit Card payments over the phone.

Cancellation/Refund Policy:

If you have to cancel: A full refund is available up until 30 days prior to the workshop. 75% Refund is available up until 7 days prior. Any cancellation within 7 days of the workshop is only 50% refundable. Alternatively, if something comes up and you can not make it, you have the option to choose a voucher for any future bow-making workshop instead of a partial refund. If the class is cancelled on my part for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

Blake said those were four of the happiest days of his life! Me too.
Both Blake and I are eager to start on another bow already...must had caught the bug. So I guess the garage needs to be cleared out and some basic hand tools bought.
Thanks again for a great experience,

Mark and Blake, Portland, OR

...In the meantime, thank you for the patience, humor, and knowledge you demonstrated throughout the workshop. I leaned more than I could reasonably expect and I'm eager to start my next bow. It was a great experience, and my dad is interested in joining me for a workshop next spring, Hopefully the planets will align and we will be able to attend.

Best,

Dan, Boston, MA

I recently attended Carson's bow making workshop and couldn't be more excited about primitive archery! Carson was capable of guiding me, a total beginner, through the entire process with clarity, expertise and humor. I walked away with not only a BEAUTIFUL bow that shoots like a dream, but also with the base knowledge of how to continue in this art on my own. The class was empowering beyond measure and I strongly recommend it to anyone considering learning the art of bow making. There is no book, website or manual that is capable of delivering the solid experience and practical education that this workshop provided. Having learned other primitive skills on my own, I can confidently say that this class will exponentially shorten your learning curve and alleviate many hours of frustration on your journey of making a shooting bow. Ten thousand 'thanks-yous' Carson!

Rainbow Eagle Dreamer, Bend, Oregon

Dear Carson,

Just thought you would like to know:

The first thing Bryant did when he got home from work Monday was set up a target and get out his bow. He spent several hours shooting, accompanied by Sage, baby at her breast.

Yesterday he swung home at lunch and Will borrowed my bow so both young men were practicing, and then again after work.

Me, I just had a darn good time. Thanks so much for being such a gracious host.

Smilingly,

Jane, Corvallis, OR

Hi Carson,
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class, it was great, and I would do it again in a heart beat. Since the class I have completed 3 bows that all shoot great.
I have recently been out collecting Ocean Spray, Vine Maple, Ash and Yew over the past few weeks for future bows. I look forward to seeing you soon, Your friend,

Keith, Springfield, OR

FAQ

Q: Will tools be provided?

A: Yes, all necessary tools and materials are provided. You are welcome to bring your own tools if you would like, but I keep a large selection of quality hand tools available for everyone. A pair of work gloves is the only item I suggest students bring.

Q: How much is the stave?

A: A bow stave is included with registration. I proivide a large selection of quality yew and osage staves for stundents to pick from. Other woods are available if you choose.

Q: Can I bring my own stave and get a discount on registration?

A: I prefer to provide the staves for the workshop to ensure quality starting material and thus, ensuring a high rate of success. If you want to bring a stave that you have questions about, I will happily give you my opinion and thoughts on how to procede with that particular stave.

Q: How long is each day?

A: We start at 9:00 AM each day, and generally work until dinner, approx. 5:00 PM. Dinners are provided and included in the cost of registration.

Q: 4 days seems like a long time, what if I finish my bow early?

A: Most students need the four full days to compete their bow. However, occasionally a student finishes there bow ahead of the rest of the class. I have staves available for purchase and some of these students have opted to purchase a second stave and start a second bow, others have opted to spend time on finish work such as leather handle wraps, etc.

Q: Can I make a recurve or does it have to be a longbow?

A: I suggest beginning bowyers start with a longbow because it is a simpler design, however, recurve bows are an option, but the student must be preapred for the extra work.

Q: How many of your student's bows break?

A: It is very rare that a student's bow breaks. Of the roughly 60-70 students I have taught, only two have broken bows in class and two others ended up breaking weeks later. All were preventable. While the focus of the workshop is to learn how to make wood bows properly, almost every student leaves with a bow that meets or exceeds their expectations.

Q: Will I get to stitch on a leather handle wrap?

A: The focus of the workshop is to learn the art of bow-making and to understaand the process. For most students, this requires most of the four days. The goal is to get every bow tillered properly, shooting well, then finish sanded and sealed with shellac. If time allows, some basic additional finish work can be done.

Q: Is camping available?

A: Camping is available. There is grass lawn tent space available near the shop as well as more secluded/primitive tent space available down on the other side of the creek. If you need, I can provide a basic tent and cot. Please let me know ahead of time if you need me to provide a tent.

Q: What about lunches?

A: Students are on their own for breakfast and lunches. I do provide some light snacks for lunch, such as chips and salsa, cookies, nuts, etc. Water is available and coffee is also provided.

Q: I want to take the workshop, but I can't afford it.

A: Contact me, Carson (503-410-6571) to dicuss options.

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Stayton, Oregon 503-410-6571 carsonbrown@echoarchery.com Echo Archery copyright 2012.