Craft Your Own Viking Shield: A Comprehensive DIY Guide
Embark on a journey to the Viking Age by crafting your own authentic-looking shield! This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step of the process, from selecting materials to adding the final decorative touches. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsperson or a beginner, this project offers a rewarding experience and a tangible connection to history.
**Why Build a Viking Shield?**
More than just a decorative piece, a Viking shield is a symbol of strength, protection, and craftsmanship. Building one yourself allows you to understand the materials and techniques used by Viking warriors. It’s a fantastic project for historical reenactors, LARPers, cosplayers, or anyone with an interest in Viking culture. Plus, it’s a pretty cool thing to hang on your wall!
**A Note on Historical Accuracy:**
While this guide aims to create a shield that resembles those used by Vikings, it’s important to note that complete historical accuracy can be difficult to achieve without access to original artifacts and specialized knowledge. We’ll focus on creating a robust and visually appealing shield using readily available materials and techniques.
**Materials You’ll Need:**
* **Plywood:** The main shield body. We recommend using a sheet of plywood that is at least 1/2 inch (12mm) thick for durability. 48 inches (122cm) in diameter is a good size for a round shield, but you can adjust this to your preference. Marine-grade plywood is the best choice for outdoor use, offering better resistance to moisture. Avoid particle board or MDF, as they are not strong enough.
* **Wood for the Handle and Reinforcement:** You’ll need a piece of hardwood (oak, ash, or maple are good choices) for the handle. The dimensions will depend on your hand size and grip preference, but a piece approximately 1.5 inches (3.8cm) wide, 1 inch (2.5cm) thick, and 6 inches (15cm) long should suffice. You will also need thin strips of wood for the shield’s edge, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick and 1-inch (2.5cm) wide. Softwood strips can be used as it will be covered.
* **Leather or Rawhide:** To cover the grip and optionally reinforce the shield’s edge. You’ll need enough to wrap the handle comfortably and add an edge strip. Leather scraps can often be found affordably at craft stores.
* **Metal Boss:** A steel or iron boss (the central dome) is crucial for deflecting blows. You can purchase these online from reenactment suppliers. The diameter should be between 5-7 inches (13-18cm).
* **Rivets or Screws:** For attaching the handle, boss, and edge trim. Copper or steel rivets provide a more authentic look. Screws can be used but consider counter-sinking them and covering them for aesthetic purposes.
* **Paint:** Acrylic paints are recommended for their durability and ease of use. Choose colors that reflect Viking designs, such as red, black, white, blue, and yellow. Consider purchasing primer to apply before the main colors.
* **Finishing:** Varnish or sealant to protect the paint and wood from the elements.
**Tools You’ll Need:**
* **Safety Glasses and Dust Mask:** Essential for protecting yourself during cutting and sanding.
* **Circular Saw or Jigsaw:** For cutting the plywood into a circle.
* **Sander or Sandpaper:** For smoothing the edges and surface of the shield.
* **Drill:** For creating holes for rivets or screws.
* **Hammer:** For setting rivets.
* **Clamps:** To hold the wood in place while the glue dries.
* **Measuring Tape or Ruler:** For accurate measurements.
* **Pencil or Marker:** For marking cutting lines and designs.
* **Paintbrushes:** For applying paint and sealant.
* **Leather Punch (Optional):** For creating clean holes in the leather.
* **Wood Glue:** A strong wood glue for adhering the handle and edge reinforcements.
* **Metal File:** For smoothing any sharp edges on the metal boss.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
**Step 1: Cutting the Shield Blank**
1. **Mark the Circle:** Use a compass, a string tied to a pencil, or a trammel to draw a perfect circle on the plywood sheet. The diameter of the circle will determine the size of your shield. A 48-inch diameter is a common size, but you can adjust it to your preference.
2. **Cut the Circle:** Carefully cut along the marked line using a circular saw or jigsaw. If using a jigsaw, ensure the blade is appropriate for plywood to minimize splintering. Take your time and follow the line closely for a clean, even cut.
3. **Sand the Edges:** Use a sander or sandpaper to smooth the edges of the shield. This will remove any splinters and create a more comfortable surface to handle.
**Step 2: Preparing the Handle**
1. **Shape the Handle:** Using a saw, shape the handle from your hardwood block. The shape should be comfortable to grip. A slightly oval or rounded shape is often preferred. Make sure the handle is long enough to accommodate your entire hand comfortably. Ensure that the handle is aligned with the grain of the wood for better strength and resistance to splitting.
2. **Sand the Handle:** Sand the handle thoroughly to remove any sharp edges and create a smooth surface. A comfortable grip is crucial for effective shield use.
3. **Optional Leather Wrap:** Cut a piece of leather slightly larger than the handle. Apply contact cement or strong glue to both the handle and the leather. Let the glue become tacky, then carefully wrap the leather around the handle, overlapping the edges slightly. Trim any excess leather and secure the seam with stitching or adhesive. This provides extra grip and comfort.
**Step 3: Attaching the Handle**
1. **Position the Handle:** Place the handle on the back of the shield (the side that will face you). The handle should be positioned vertically, approximately in the center of the shield, but slightly off-center towards the top for better balance. Consider your dominant hand when positioning the handle.
2. **Mark the Hole Locations:** Mark the locations for the rivets or screws that will secure the handle to the shield. Aim for at least two points of attachment, preferably three or four for added stability. Ensure these points are evenly spaced around the handle’s contact area with the shield.
3. **Drill Pilot Holes:** Drill pilot holes through the handle and into the shield at the marked locations. The pilot holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of your rivets or screws. This will prevent the wood from splitting.
4. **Attach the Handle:** Secure the handle to the shield using rivets or screws. If using rivets, insert them through the holes and hammer them down on the back of the shield to create a secure connection. If using screws, counter-sink them slightly to prevent them from protruding. Ensure that the screws are tightened adequately but not so tightly that they strip the wood. You can use washers between the screw head and the wood to distribute the force more evenly.
**Step 4: Adding the Edge Reinforcement**
1. **Cut the Edge Strips:** Cut the thin strips of wood to the length needed to go around the shield’s perimeter. You will need multiple strips to create one complete ring around the edge. Alternatively, you can buy flexible trim that is pre-bent.
2. **Glue the Strips:** Apply wood glue to the edge of the shield and to the inside of the wood strips. Clamp the strips to the edge of the shield, ensuring they are aligned correctly. You can use multiple clamps to distribute the pressure evenly. Allow the glue to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. **Attach with Rivets or Screws (Optional):** For extra security, you can also attach the edge strips with rivets or screws, spacing them evenly around the shield’s perimeter. This is particularly recommended if you anticipate heavy use or impact on the shield.
4. **Leather Edge (Alternative):** Instead of wood, you can use a strip of thick leather. Cut the leather to the same circumference of the shield. Attach the leather using glue and rivets. The leather strips will offer more padding.
**Step 5: Installing the Metal Boss**
1. **Center the Boss:** Place the metal boss in the center of the shield on the front side. Ensure it’s perfectly centered for balance and aesthetics. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the edge of the shield to the edge of the boss at multiple points to confirm it’s centered.
2. **Mark the Hole Locations:** Most metal bosses have pre-drilled holes for attachment. Mark the locations of these holes on the shield. If the boss does not have holes, you will need to drill them yourself, ensuring they are evenly spaced around the dome’s circumference.
3. **Drill Pilot Holes:** Drill pilot holes through the shield at the marked locations. As with the handle, the pilot holes should be slightly smaller than the diameter of your rivets or screws.
4. **Attach the Boss:** Secure the boss to the shield using rivets or screws. If using rivets, use a rivet setter to create a clean and professional finish. Ensure the rivets are properly set to prevent them from loosening over time. If using screws, consider using dome-headed screws for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
**Step 6: Painting and Decoration**
1. **Prime the Shield:** Apply a coat of primer to the entire shield surface, including the edges. Primer will help the paint adhere better and provide a more uniform finish. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. **Paint the Base Coat:** Apply a base coat of your chosen color. Traditional Viking shield colors included red, black, white, and sometimes blue or yellow. Apply multiple thin coats for better coverage, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next.
3. **Add Designs:** Once the base coat is dry, you can add your own designs. Viking shields often featured geometric patterns, animal motifs (such as wolves, ravens, or dragons), or runic inscriptions. Use stencils, freehand painting, or a combination of both to create your design. Research Viking art and symbolism for inspiration. Use masking tape to create clean lines for geometric patterns. Consider using metallic paints to highlight certain elements of the design.
4. **Drybrushing (Optional):** Drybrushing is a technique that can add texture and depth to your paint job. Dip a stiff-bristled brush into a small amount of paint, then wipe off most of the paint onto a paper towel. Lightly brush the remaining paint across the surface of the shield to highlight the raised areas. This can create a weathered and battle-worn look.
**Step 7: Finishing and Sealing**
1. **Apply Varnish or Sealant:** Once the paint is completely dry, apply several coats of varnish or sealant to protect the shield from the elements and prevent the paint from chipping or fading. Choose a finish that is appropriate for the intended use of the shield. For example, if you plan to use the shield outdoors, choose a sealant that is UV-resistant and waterproof. Apply the sealant in thin, even coats, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
2. **Allow to Cure:** Allow the varnish or sealant to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions before handling or using the shield. This will ensure that the finish is fully hardened and protected.
**Tips for Historical Accuracy:**
* **Wood Choice:** While plywood is a convenient choice, solid wood planks (such as pine or linden) would have been more historically accurate. If you’re aiming for greater authenticity, consider using solid wood and joining the planks together using traditional woodworking techniques.
* **Edge Materials:** Rawhide or thick leather were commonly used for edge reinforcement on Viking shields. You can simulate this look by wrapping the edge of your shield with leather and securing it with stitching or rivets.
* **Paint Pigments:** Natural pigments, such as ochre, charcoal, and plant-based dyes, were used to create colors in the Viking Age. While modern acrylic paints are more convenient, you can research natural pigment recipes and experiment with creating your own paints for a more authentic look.
* **Design Inspiration:** Study examples of Viking art and craftsmanship for design inspiration. The Oseberg ship burial provides a wealth of information about Viking art and decoration.
**Safety Precautions:**
* Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting, sanding, or drilling wood.
* Use power tools with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Work in a well-ventilated area when using paints, varnishes, or adhesives.
* If using sharp tools, such as knives or chisels, always cut away from yourself.
**Customization Ideas:**
* **Personalized Designs:** Add your own personal touch to your shield by incorporating your own symbols, runes, or family crest.
* **Battle Damage:** Simulate battle damage by adding dents, scratches, and scorch marks to the shield. You can use a hammer and chisel to create dents, sandpaper to create scratches, and a torch (carefully!) to create scorch marks.
* **Leather Strap:** Add a leather strap to the back of the shield for easier carrying. Attach the strap to the handle or to separate mounting points on the back of the shield.
* **Shield Boss Variations:** Experiment with different shapes and sizes of shield bosses. Some Viking shields featured conical or pyramidal bosses.
**Conclusion:**
Building your own Viking shield is a rewarding project that combines historical appreciation with practical craftsmanship. By following these steps and using readily available materials, you can create a unique and impressive piece that reflects the strength and artistry of the Viking Age. Whether you’re a historical reenactor, a LARPer, or simply a fan of Viking culture, this project is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and a lasting connection to the past. So gather your materials, sharpen your tools, and embark on your own Viking shield-building adventure! Skål!
