Creating a device shield for the Crown Tourney heraldry trees
From EastKingdomWiki
Materials needed
- two things that will work to suspend the shield from the tree - metal loops, a bit of chain, two pieces of leather. You get the idea. (We have used large diameter binder rings in the past - they slide on and off the horizontal tree bars nicely, but can loosen up over time.)
- a piece of 1/4" hardwood plywood, no more than 15.5" x 11"
- wood stain (optional)
- your choice of paint (acrylics or house paint recommended)
- clear exterior topcoat (marine grade poly recommended)
Tools needed
- jigsaw or coping saw (something you can cut a curve in the plywood with)
- drill with a 1/4" bit
- paintbrushes
Directions
- Cut the piece of plywood down to a shield shape, no bigger than 11" wide and 15.5" tall.
- Drill 2 holes at the top of the shield, 0.5" from the top, and 1.75" from the edge. Holes must be big enough to accommodate whatever you're using to suspend it with.
- At this point, the shield can be left its natural color, stained or primed a base color.
- After the stain or paint/primer is completely dry (usually a day or two), your device can be painted onto the front, and your name clearly onto the back.
- Once the device is thoroughly dry, apply the clear top coat to both sides and edges, then attach your suspension choice through the holes. You may want to apply a second coat for extra weather-fastness.
- In this case, there is a rule #6 - Have fun with it!