I am doing a Valentine’s themed mini shoot this year and decided I wanted to make some props for it. So, of course, cupid’s bow and arrow had to be included. I had an awesome twisted vine in my backyard that worked perfect for the bow. Then I decided to get some bamboo sticks for the arrows, felt for the tips, and some feathers for the ends. I love how they turned out! Here is my little set up:

Start off by printing out a heart to cut out and trace around. There are so many different heart shapes, so search until you found the “perfect” one, or save the image below and print.

Trace around the cut out heart with a sharpie, trying to get as many hearts as you can on each piece of felt. I got 11 out of my first sheet. Then I figured out a better way to position the heart, and got 13 out of my next sheet.

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After they are all cut, gather the rest of the supplies: white and red feathers, some macrame cord, bamboo sticks*, scotch tape and a hot glue gun.

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*Sidenote: I coated the bamboo sticks in a layer of timber oil, just to make them a little darker. All I did was dab some on a rag and rub the stick through until it was coated nicely. It didn’t take more than a pass or two, just to get some color on it.

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Now to assemble! First squeeze some hot glue on a heart where you will be placing the bamboo stick. Place the stick firmly down, hold for a good few seconds, then squeeze on more hot glue and press on the matching heart color, or mix it up!

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Feather time! Place down two feathers, set the bamboo stick in between them, place down two more feathers, making a bamboo sandwich, and tape them tightly together.

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Dab on some hot glue and placed the cut off end of the cord down, and after it cooled just slightly (a few seconds), pull around the cord, keeping it as tight as you can, winding as far down as you like, then snip and glue down end.

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And wah-lah, home crafted arrows! Continue on and make as many as you want/need.

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Now for the bow. I got a twisted vine from my back yard, any flexible stick will do. Tie some string around one end, tape it down to secure it, twist the cord around the tape to cover it, then tie around on the other end, making a crescent bend in the bow.

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Repeat same process, wrapping around until cover tape, then cut and use the hot glue to secure the cut end.

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There you have it. A cute little prop for a photoshoot, decor, or just a fun to make project! 🏹💕

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