Walking Sticks

Making walking sticks can be a fun and engaging hobby that also provides you with a useful tool at the end.  They can be done with a minimum of tools and cheap materials making it a craft open to all abilities and budgets.

Firstly find yourself a nice stick, these can be easily obtained from a local woodland or hedgerow (always check with the land owner first). Hazel, Blackthorn, Holly and Ash make some of the best sticks but virtually any species can be used to some extent. Cut the stick in winter if possible and allow 6 inches either end more than you think you will need just encase of cracking. Straightness and thickness of the stick is all down to personal preference and the amount of strain the stick will be under, sticks that will be leant on should be thicker than sticks for upright support. A green wood stick will need seasoning (drying) for at least one full year and to help minimize cracking the ends should be dipped in a thick paint or wax.

The top/handle of your stick can be a simple rounded point, v shaped thumb stick, full handle or ornately carved figure as well as hundreds of other possible designs. The choice is all down to what you like and what the stick is used for, there are many good books and websites which will give you more information as well as patterns and designs.

Most sticks are left natural in colour, some with bark, some without. Most get finished with oils, varnish or paints and have either brass or rubber ferrules to protect the ends. However there is no set rule and the choice is YOURS, have fun....