Making a Walking Thumbstick (Step-by-Step Guide)

[@garryderish2465]

ITS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO WATCH A TRUE CRAFTSMAN, I LOVE THE BRITISH

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Garry, back at ya man!!👍🏼👊🏼

[@timbutler4756]

Funny how when you go looking for tarp videos and disappear down the rabbit hole that is KZbin....you come across something like this...and watch the whole thing entranced . That's a proper piece of practical and beautiful art that. Talent to be proud of!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Timothy, glad you enjoyed the film 👍🙂

[@terrycavanagh8868]

@@simoneardley 99mkj

[@savage22bolt32]

Happened to me too!

[@arthurbaker6725]

Arthur baker The best no nonsense stickmaking instruction ever and a real artist

[@simoneardley]

Thanks very much Arthur 👊🏼

[@jgeezer781]

As a longtime woodcarver and having made scores of walking sticks over the years I am impressed with your talent and precise fitting of all the components , but I am simply amazed at the beautiful painting of the deer!!!!! Thanks for sharing this !

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome , thanks for watching and the compliments 👊🏼👍🏼

[@tenpenny4321]

Best "how to" I've ever seen! Nothing left out except perhaps how you finish the tip, if at all.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Richard, I'll stick that on the next one mate👍🏼

[@angellastragarcia4018]

MAGNIFICENT ARTWORK BY NICE AND NORMAL PERSON, CONGRATS

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou 😀

[@tonyelkin992]

I've been cutting a few sticks over the last few weeks and have a few dried from a year ago. Your video has been a complete joy to learn from this afternoon. Thank you, I'm a very happy boy.

[@simoneardley]

Glad it helped Tony 👍🏼👊🏼

[@robertoarango5425]

I was looking for something completely different, and this appears on my screen. I saw how long the video was going to be, and I thought, that's long. But I stayed and watched the whole thing. Very instructional, and entertaining. I like your peaceful teaching. I guess I'm starting a new hobby.

[@savage22bolt32]

Happened to me too!

[@davegrandeffo330]

At first I thought, "This is something I could do"; but when you got to painting the Roe deer you left me in the dust. Brilliant skills!

[@midlandt4249]

My thoughts exactly !!!!

[@simoneardley]

Thank you so much Dave😀

[@claudeirby1561]

I also have a challenge with paint and crayolas. but you could still make your stick and decal the ornimental figure. You can still be in the mix with a nice staff.

[@Levi-he6nj]

😂

[@itomclarke6951]

I love listen to you. I am 85 years old. And I am a joiner. You have a great way of explaing about making the Sticks. Keep up the good work. Tom. Clarke

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Tom, bet those 85 year old hands have cut a few tenons and dovetails in their time eh !! All the best, Si👊👍🏼

[@johndavis3231]

As a retired craftsman, I can appreciate the work that goes into such a piece as this. Remarkable work. My compliments Sir.

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou John and thanks for watching👍🏼

[@John-gh5nn]

The stick making is one talent by itself but the artwork is absolutely amazing I just love the Kingfisher one. Well done Simon.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks John

[@earthling01]

Glad to accidentally land here Simon! I appreciate your craft and learned a couple new ways to approach wood working. Especially wood steaming and straightening jig. Wonderful!

[@RuthKelley-wj7xw]

Mesmerizing!! Didn't even stop to get my coffee.sit the whole time watching,s so interesting! Forgot about housework too.i am 76 and want to try this!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Ruth, why not. Give it a go and good luck with your first thumbstick 👍🏼

[@Briansc2007]

I have made a number of basic sticks and love watching how other people make theirs. I've watched numerous videos and must say you have explained, described the whole process in such an easy to follow way. It was a joy to watch. I thought the animals were transfers, until I saw you draw from scrath. Awesome talent.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Brian, glad you found the film useful. Thanks for the compliments.👍🏼

[@leslumieres1237]

Wonderful thumbstick! Earned a place in "The Return of the Cane. A Natural History of the Walking Stick."

[@davidhampton7574]

Just the kick start I need; I've got some three year dried sticks so I'll build a steamer tomorrow and get going!

[@simoneardley]

Brilliant, good luck with the project David

[@davidcrossley7187]

Absolutely brilliant Simon.

[@davedingo542]

I have watched lots of these demonstrations. This is a masterclass. Great demonstration Simon, clearly explained and like all craftsmen, you made it look so easy (which it isn't).

[@simoneardley]

Many thanks Dave, glad you found it useful.👍🏼

[@shaunwild8797]

That fifty minutes flew by. Lovely work.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Shaun👍🏼

[@stephenlines9431]

Simon, thank you so much for this video. You are a very talented presenter AND teacher (they are different skills; you have both in spades). I have just retired after 20 years as an instructor, so I hope you'll take my compliment as it is intended; TOTAL respect. Keep it coming!

[@raypitcher9767]

A lovely piece of craftmanship Simon, easy to follow and loaded with tips. I've started to watch the earlier videos now and enjoying them all as I begin to explore your creative World. Many thanks.

[@HelenBeauregard-d3d]

Remarkable Artwork's I love your Video, quite a inspiration, I have made a few walking sticks from branch's that have fallen off my trees the rainbow equyliptus is nice wood. I'm a 75 year young Grandma who plays with wood !

[@simoneardley]

Youre never too old. Respect!!😀

[@SkylarkFields]

Never knew the work that goes into one of those! I was fascinated to watch this whole procedure, and admire your artwork too. What a talent you have - as well as your superb photography.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much! They are a lot of work but worth it in the end👍🏼

[@1spongeygit]

Wow! I get all the woodworking bits... up my street but man you are a true artist! never in my wildest could I draw or paint like that!! You have inspired me to have a go at making a stick! thankyou!

[@simoneardley]

Nice one, good luck with the project 👌🏼👍🏼

[@munckmb]

Thank you so much for sharing! You have a very pleasant way of presenting. Very calming and I learned a lot! Well done!

[@adriansolomon6805]

What a modest gentleman!!❤

[@geoffreyfretwell4428]

I make walking sticks, thumb sticks etc , and I always enjoy watching others make theirs because you can always pick tips up . I've learned a couple things from watching this video .

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Geoffrey, always learning eh !!🙂👍

[@JohnSmith-il4wi]

I never saw a thumbstick before, very cool and new to me. Thanks from Chicago

[@chippertpa]

Wow, a great how to for walking sticks, very well done! One of the best walking stick videos I've seen yet, thank you so much!

[@simoneardley]

your welcome, glad you enjoyed the film 👍🏼

[@hasansalekin4401]

@@simoneardley Hi Simon, Do you sale any of your stick, I would like to buy few from you. How do I go about placing an order please? Regards Hasan

[@samuelgustavsson1483]

With some greetings from Sweden, I just have to say…thats beautiful sir. Well done. 👍

[@simoneardley]

Very kind Samuel, thanks 😃👍🏼

[@johnvanriper3363]

Looks like they would make a good rifle rest for open country and double as walking stick.Good work thanks

[@adriansolomon6805]

This fella is really enhancing and full of fun and interesting ❤

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou Adrian

[@Automedon2]

I just had a revelation. Every guy I've ever gotten along with has had a workshop. Workshop guys have minds full of ideas and are always looking for ways to make them happen. Even if it's a table in the corner, a man is never poor when he has a workbench.

[@simoneardley]

Never a truer word was spoken 😆 I'd be lost without my workshop👍🏼👌

[@John..18]

Just found your channel and subbed, absolutely first class stick making tutorial,, !! How I wish I could paint like that, !! Great stuff,, all the best,,

[@simoneardley]

Welcome John, thanks for the sub 👊😀

[@greekveteran2715]

Daaamn, I thought the pictures were decoupage but he is painting them on!!! Hat off sir, really good job there! I wish I had a Thumbstick.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you so much 😀 Yeh love painting them as they are all individual 👍🏼👍🏼

[@pickerjim9246]

Incredible....my finger painting won’t cut it.

[@paulhousden3825]

A delight to watch a craftsman producing such things - a very watchable video and very informative . And just the right narration - unlike some who like the sound of their own voices ( usually from over the pond).

[@simoneardley]

Haha, cheers Paul 👍🏼

[@mrflydog]

A great thumb stick made by a MASTER

[@simoneardley]

Kind words, thankyou 👍🏼

[@yetidodger6650]

wow, amazing craftsmanship.

[@kennethvoller278]

Finally, a channel that fits this American's needs. I just started making walking sticks and I like the way you are doing things. After building cabinets and furniture for 35 years I wanted to make more sawdust and walking sticks came to mind so here I am. Your channel is one that fits me. Thank you, keep up the good work, God bless and be safe! But in all honesty, I've never heard of "thumbsticks" before so I had to stop by and check it out!

[@simoneardley]

Just a stick for your thumb!! Keep it simople Kenneth, thanks for watching mate 👊🏼👍🏼

[@allyinlivvy]

Simon, on TV, there was a series titled "Out of Town" hosted by the late Jack Hargreaves. The prog was all about Rural Life including the skills of making your own tools, fishing rods and tying your own flies. Your own KZbin productions very much remind of that TV series. I enjoy your videos and I hope that you go on to produce many more in the same vein. Thank you.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Al, high praise indeed. I used to love that program and watched it myself( showing my age!!)😩 I used to love watching him going ferreting and demonstrating a lot of skills that are all to sadly being lost nowadays. 👍🏼

[@theworldthroughalens5324]

@@simoneardley OUT OF TOWN was a great programe. Im 57 and always looked forward to the 15 min slot it use to get on a Friday evening durig the 70s and was defiently an inspiration to me and enjoying nature and wildlife. Really enjoyed this vid, Keep em coming.

[@patricklaslett432]

@@theworldthroughalens5324 You can find Jack on youtube now

[@rastus666]

These look like they would make good shooting sticks, as well as good walking sticks.

[@markfuller4506]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching that Simon. Thanks for the inspiration for me to give it a go.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you enjoyed it Mark👍🏼

[@bradeugene1]

Thanks Simon - This is a terrific video. I’ve been researching how to make walking sticks and learned more from your presentation than from all others. Well done.

[@simoneardley]

Glad it was helpful to you.

[@Beowulf-sd5gh]

Cool Stuff and thanks for sharing the process of making it. I've got an improved claming device idea for you: You could use one of these bungee cords which are made to strap someting to a bicycle (the ones with hooks on either end) and just hook the end to pre positioned clamps. Its less hustle ;)

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the idea but I always steer away from bungee cords. One hit me in the face once and I have a healthy fear of the things !!🤣🤣Thanks for watching 👊👍🏼

[@Irishtomq]

You are a natural teacher. Brilliant!

[@simoneardley]

Thank you Tom 👍🏼😀

[@andyroberts2640]

Great inspiration Simon, just subscribed to your channel after looking for walking/thumbstick videos and came across this one, I also love my wildlife photography!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Andy, great time of the year to get out there collecting. A man after my own heart!!😀 Welcome to the channel.

[@mickpospiech1363]

As a joiner, I watched the whole video as really enjoyed your no nonsense, non repetitive description on how you go through the process. I need to make one for wading when fishing.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Mick, glad you found it useful. Just made a couple of wading sticks myself. I drilled a hole in the base of the shank and filled it with lead.👍

[@mickpospiech1363]

@@simoneardley that's the plan.

[@DaveDoesOutdoors]

Nice 1 will give that a go I am getting old so a stick is a good call Atb 👍🏽

[@JeffWilliams1965]

Steam the wood!!! Bloody amazing! I've never seen that. Very clever. 👍 Thanks.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, works a treat Jeff. Amazing how supple it makes the wood!!👍🏼

[@ferd.6779]

Well made stick!! I enjoyed watching this vid. Nice hand painting too!! (one small question, why must the bark stay on the stick?)

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Ferd, just down to personal choice. Personally I like the different coloured bark, if you strip it off they all look the same.👍🏼

[@Philsphotos988]

I know what I'll be looking for next time I walk through our local woods. Another great video Simon, thanks for the inspiration 👍

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Phil, good luck with the search 👍🏼👀

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

Thumbsticks arent difficult, done lots over the years. Its painting the deer that will have me stumped! 👍

[@simoneardley]

Practice makes perfect, but yeh painting isn't everyones bag I agree. 😀

[@newdogatplay]

An old artist trick ,turn all pics u wish to draw turn upside down draw the pic as. Lines not as a picture,section it off in lined sections,look at each feature in that pic as a line ,hope this helps

[@rattleshakti]

Pure Magic. A true craftsman at work. Wonderful.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Paul 👍🏼

[@daleweller5193]

If you go in the drywall section of your big box store you can buy that sand paper a lot cheaper

[@mo-reesespieces9066]

What was that see through sandpaper called? Is that the sandpaper that is in the drywall section you are speaking of? Peace, Mo

[@johndaarteest]

Fantastic craftsman and great artist. I hope you're able to make a living by your work.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much John but its only a hobby mate 👍

[@OppaGundamStyle]

honestly, I thought that these were just long handled slingshots.

[@CharlieHowell-z6l]

As I am getting to the stage where I need a Walking Stick I am about to make my first one from a section of a Scrub I found approximately twenty years ago. I have both enjoyed and have learnt a lot from your Tutorial. Thank you for efforts and keep up the good work.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Charlie, good luck with the project 👍🏼👊🏼

[@toboldygo5823]

Not everybody can have nice tools but everyone has elbow grease🤷🏻. 😂👍🏻✨

[@simoneardley]

Wise words 😀👍🏼

[@VANGELISNISYROS]

A realy good teacher!!! You know this v-type stick was used when loading a horse or a donkey in order to hold in place the one already loaden side while you load the other...

[@simoneardley]

You learn something every day!!👍🏼

[@charleshultquist9233]

Thanks for inviting us in for this.

[@brutallindigo]

Wow, I want one!!

[@happykal11]

I was happy with the straightening tutorial. The making of the topper for the thumb stick was great, but I did not expect the amazing painting skills as well. Wow. 👍🏼

[@simoneardley]

Glad it was helpful!👍🏼😀

[@steviebye1]

Don't need to apologise Simon, I could watch you all day. Better than anything on tv. Gutted I missed the giveaway. Over 10k subs now though, you must be well chuffed. Nice one Simon 👍

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Rick, it was a great little trip. We'll batter those Perch hopefully next time👍🏼👊🏼

[@StephenBrooks-e9m]

After your review of the chair hide i just had to buy one. Quick trial today, brilliant thank you

[@DanielinLaTuna]

You’ve got quite a collection of very nice sticks there! Very lovely. Thanks for sharing

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevegraves2968]

Not sure how I got here, but glad I did. Many skills you shared. Thank you. Great video.

[@simoneardley]

Glad you found it useful Steve 👍🏼👌🏼

[@MKlukowski]

Beautiful thumbsticks. And exquisite painting jobs. Really make them pop

[@simoneardley]

Thanks so much 😊

[@deborahduthie4519]

Beautiful Artistry. Sticks the same diameter along the length, with few kinks are a dream(when you see a Gum tree stick that kinks to every extreme, you’ll realise how wonderful a straight stick really is to find)

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Deborah, we are lucky to have so much Hazel in our woods. Its a lovely tree to work with 👍🏼

[@claudeirby1561]

some people use curly willow and leave the kinks in the wood. It's a unique look.

[@patricksantel3474]

Excellent! So glad to have made it to your video. Thanks for sharing some of your probably hard learned tricks. Those power sanders are a game changer I totally agree.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers for watching Patrick👍🏼

[@thefrugalsportsman]

Awesome video! Love the finishing touches of the deer! Thanks so much for sharing and God bless!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronaldeardley7010]

Thanks Simon. Kind regards Ron Eardley South Africa.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Ronald, we roam far and wide do the Eardleys!!😆👍🏼👊 All the best, Si

[@alasdairmackenzie905]

You are a very talented man Simon Eardley: photographer woodworker and painter all rolled into one.

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Alasdair, you know what they say, 'Jack of all trades, master of none!!' 😆😆👍🏼

[@aubreyhack]

I've made a few walking sticks in the past and have several dried shafts ready to go and this video has given me the insight to start again. Fantastic teacher, very entertaining, should consider doing more on the subject.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Aubrey, thats the plan once I get the new workshop up and running!!👍🏼

[@tonysmith3143]

Beautiful and then you painted it. That dear is awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@simoneardley]

Youre welcome Tony, thanks for watching 👀

[@charlesolrich5898]

Excellent work!

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Charles

[@gregshaw1008]

Really enjoyed watching your video Simon. 2 days away from retirement. One more thing to add to my list of things to try. Thanks for the video

[@simoneardley]

Lucky man, all my mates who have recently retired have said they dont know how they had time to go to work!! Have a great retirement and keep busy👊

[@MyJUnkOnUTubE]

Very nice. Your video inspires me to try my hand at making sticks. Idea: maybe adding a small compass on one end and a flint storage compartment with a screw in cap on the tips.

[@simoneardley]

Yeh, its a different option.👍🏼

[@AnthonyHerron-pi4lz]

Superb video! Always fancied making some sticks, so as I own a bit of land with plenty of hazel and Blackthorn you've given me some inspiration to give it a go!! Keep these videos coming! You've got to be Jack Hargreaves reborn!!

[@simoneardley]

Hi praise indeed Anthony, he was a top bloke. Imagine him being your grandad, never a dull moment!!🤣 Good luck with the sticks👌🏼👍🏼

[@terrykyte1845]

good job - now I have to go out to my shop and add these to my walking staffs

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Terry👍🏼

[@OzarkArtsandCrafts]

So glad I found you. Walking sticks are my favorite things to make and like how you attach toppers to the sticks. Cheers

[@simoneardley]

Glad you like them!👍🏼

[@troymanning3150]

What an awesome idea! I watched half of this and had too stop and went to rework two of my homemade walking sticks. Thanks for the video.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Troy, cheers pal👊🏼

[@garryvaughan67]

Just started watching this and admittedly never heard of a thumb stick, first three sentences and I am going to be learning more.

[@simoneardley]

Nice one Garry, hope you enjoyed the film 👍🏼

[@Henry30065]

Simon, I usually follow you on KZbin to see your wildlife photography. I often see stick makers at the Game Fair, Agricultural shows, etc., and I always thought to myself, ‘How on earth can they justify the huge prices they charge for each item?’. Now having seen the amount of work, patience and true skill involved, I shall never complain about the prices charged again! I have a number of sticks with different heads on them - from grouse to red stags. I love well made sticks. You are clearly a true artisan Simon. I really enjoyed your video Simon, almost as much as your wildlife images. Very impressive! Alun

[@simoneardley]

Thanks very much Alun, yeh its like most craftsman made objects, works of art etc, etc. People dont realise how much work and hours goes into crafting something. If you broke it down to pounds per hour it certainly wouldnt be much🤔 Thanks for following the channel 👍🏼

[@johnkristoff2341]

Wow. I've yet to view your photography, but I'm sure I'll learn quite a lot. Thank you, Simon. Quite a multitasking fellow.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers John, dont put all your eggs in one basket 😃👍🏼

[@joed4463]

Hello Simon:, I really enjoyed watching how U make the stick, & I want to be one of the 2000 for the free stick, just make sure I’m still still alive when & hopefully I’m still alive when you send it to by message. 🎉😊🎉U explained it very well, thanks. 🎉😊🎉 Joe

[@louellamoyer5578]

You are a fantastic artist and craftsman! Wow! I'm impressed! Thank you!

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou very much 👍🏼

[@debraleblanc6122]

Wow! I never heard of a thumb stick. I love them. Good job!!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for watching Debra 😃👍🏼

[@johnlewis9745]

Congratulations ! You’ve made a really lovely stick and you are an artist too.

[@simoneardley]

Very kind John, cheers for watching 👀👍🏼

[@Poordirtfarmer]

Hello from Suwannee County Florida

[@simoneardley]

Hi there, hows things over in the States?👍🏼

[@tommywright1017]

What a great video wood working and art all in one we'll done mate

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Tommy

[@dannybarker8214]

There is nothing more rewarding than watching a true master at his trade, and as the saying goes the proof is in the "pudding". Beautiful craftsmanship, workmanship and of course final production. Excellent job!

[@simoneardley]

Thanks for the compliments Danny 👍🏼

[@rogerofrhodri]

I really thought at first the pictures were stickers, excellent hand work.

[@simoneardley]

Thank you very much Roger 👊🏼

[@stevengrey3705]

Awesome. Craftsmanship is excellent !

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Steven👍🏼

[@victorfrags7216]

Very clear in showing how to do it. Interesting to see how a piece of a BRANCH acquiring such a valuable product. Thank you for your patient tecnologie.

[@simoneardley]

Cheers Victor, glad you enjoyed the film.

[@sabinniculae7481]

I saw the stick. Nice, easy: cut it, dry it, do the thumb part, glue it, sand it. Eaasy. Then i saw the deer.... I won't be quitting my day job. Great craftsmanship! Also great content! (and this time i hope youtube will be posting my entire comment :) )

[@simoneardley]

🤣🤣🤣Stick with it!!!!

[@sabinniculae7481]

@@simoneardley I'm just starting out with this new hobby. The biggest problem I face is that almost all the sticks I have gathered for 2 years now split like crazy. (probably not the right type of wood, and not the right season. What i got until now are some wax cherry, poplar, maple, cherry and a few other). They make good practice sticks so no worries, as soon as I get one without cracks I'll be making you some good competition. Until then I think I'm still the best at cracked sticks :)

[@steviebye1]

Hi Simon, I asked you in your 'what's in my bag' video if you have a walking stick video. Just found it. 👍👍👍👍

[@simoneardley]

Cool, thanks

[@heliuman7574]

Your freehand drawing of the deer is very good! From Japan

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou

[@keithlarson1599]

Thanks, found your video by accident and could get away until the end. Very well done

[@simoneardley]

Thanks Keith 👍🏼

[@johntims2416]

Great to watch that very talented bloke

[@simoneardley]

Thankyou John👊