Easy Scottish Targe

An easy and cheap way to make a Scottish Targe!

"Please note: this is not for building a historically accurate targe"

Supplies:

Vinyl (2 feet)


[Leather also works, but were making it easy and cheap]


I use "Hobby Lobby", as they have cheap vinyl


Ruler


Scissors


Glue


[Gorilla glue works great]


Plywood 1/2 inch


Upholstery tacks nails


Center boss


[Candle stick holders work great]


Handle and leather straps


[I find for the handle plastic handle pulls work try eBay]


Leather straps for handle


[Leather belts also work]


Rabbit pelt


[This is for the backing. This is up to you, as Lamb skins and other skins will work as well]


Please note that you can find them very cheap on eBay.


Optional spike for center boss


[Carriage bolts and a T-nut I find works great, too]



Most of these can be found on eBay or at your local hardware store.


Tools:


Tack Hammer


Saw


Optional Grinder for the spike.

Getting started:

Most Targes are from 18 to 20 inches in diameter


(I like 18 or 19 easy to carry)


Cut the wood in a circle


Lay your wood down on the vinyl


[Make sure your wood is in the very middle]


Cut the vinyl make sure you leave several inches to spare


[I leave four inches myself]


Wrap the vinyl around the wood


[Many people cut tabs! A fast way to do it is the pull and tighten method]


Grab your vinyl with your finger, and then pull tight. Put a tack nail to hold it down. On each one,make sure to keep everything straight! Glue can also work but make sure you let it dry good before you repeat.


After you have done that, you can put your backing on next


[I use glue for this]


Add your straps


Decorate the front as you wish with the tack nails


If your adding a spike I find it easier to have a candle stick holder to that already fits your carriage bolt


There are many ways to mount your spike. I place the T-nut over my candle holder, and apply paint to make it match


You also want to make a holder for your spike in the back. This can be done with your vinyl




There are many ways for making a Scottish Targe, but I find this way easy