I thought I would post a How-to on PatB's method of backing a bow with tissue paper. Pat gave me permission to post this for everyone. I thought it would give all the snake huggers a different backing option
I used some painters tape on the sides of the limb to save me some glue clean up. I don't think this was necessary because there isn't much glue sqeeze out.
I bought the tissue paper at a Hobby Lobby store for $1.47. I also bought some leopard print that I want to try on a white wood.
I use my square to cut strips plenty wide enough for the limbs. The strips won't be long enough for the entire limb so you will have to splice them. When you cut out the strips you will need to match up the patterns.
Carefully cut along the pattern so both ends match up.
Make sure you have plenty of length to do the bow.
I use 2 parts TBB 3 and 1 part water.
I brush on a thin layer and then start putting down the paper starting at the nock end. I didn't get any pictures of laying the paper down. You have to be very carefull with the paper once it hits the glue. You can make small adjustments, but you can't go moving it around much or it will tear.
After I have it smoothed out I'll spread a little more glue on top of it and smooth it out with my finger. This helps to fill any small air gaps that might be under the paper. The glue will soak right through the paper and fill any voids.
When you put on the second piece carefully align the two where you cut along the pattern. The pencil is pointing to where the splice is. If you do it right, you can barely tell it is splilced.
Once it dries a little I trim off some of the excess paper with a utility knife. I'll let it dry over night and then sand the edges just like you would with a snake skin to give it a clean line. I'll finish it up with a tru-oil finish.
