On my next selfbow project I want to paint actual Native American art on the back. I am not an artist so I can't paint horses,buffalo etc. I am just looking for something like diamond patterns so does anybody know where to get stencils/templates or is all creative freehand?

You could always use masking tape, starting at your riser's fade out, and kris-crossing as you make your way to your tips? Or do it like a pinstriper would, with thin pieces of pinstripe, and then paint and peel. Good luck. Hope we get to see the results.

Si,most, no, I will say all of the Native American work on bows was pure free hand and from the heart.  It was intended to represent the tribe and individual man.  You will never see two alike, ever.  That is what is the best part of native art, it is all interpretation of live and inter connection of man and the land and family.  Just go with what you feel, how you see live and the colors that are you, not someone else.  From the heart always is the best.

tandy leather has native american stencils that you can paint or stain on the wood..check them out

making stencils are pretty easy,you can take any picture,adjust it to black and white, tweak the brightness and contrast,then just cut out certain parts with an exacto. there are lots of tutorials out there just do a search.

Start doodling I bet you'll come up with something.

QuoteOriginally posted by firewood:
making stencils are pretty easy,you can take any picture,adjust it to black and white, tweak the brightness and contrast,then just cut out certain parts with an exacto. there are lots of tutorials out there just do a search.

I like Firewood's idea.
If that doesn't work then go to a big craft store like Micheals cause they have a ton of that kind of stuff, and about a million other useless items you just can't live without.