ASSEMBLING 6 PHOTOS INTO ONE SHIELD
SHIELD POSTER ON A STICK
- Print whole images: It’s a good idea to compare the image that you downloaded to your printers “print preview” image to make sure your printer setting option isn’t cropping the 8”X10” image that you downloaded. The six images are identical scale, 8×10 photos for 8.5” x 11” photo paper.
- Cut off margins: After printing the six “photos,” cut off the white margins. However, leaving a 1/8” edge, as is shown in the photo, makes it much easier to make a “seamless” joint.
- Tape inner “underside” edges: Putting tape, which extends from the underside of one photo such that the photo next to it can be pressed down onto the tape; is to keep all the photos aligned when you flip it over in the next step. (Tabs of tape are visible in the photo.)
- Attach backing: Turn the image over (face down) and spray its back, then spray the surface of the foam core or other backing with adhesive (Gorilla Multi-Purpose smelled less and went on evenly). Starting on one edge, gently “roll” the poster down onto the backing. Press down on the full image to ensure it is uniformly adhered to its backing.
- Cut circle: Use a utility knife with a new blade to cut out the 20” diameter circle.
- Attach stick: Use a hot glue gun or duct tape to attach a 4’ or 5’ long stick or ½” diameter plant stake to the back of the poster. That’s it.
- Your poster is ready for a rally!
TO MAKE A SHIELD
- Attach more backing: Rather than attaching the stick to the back, glue another layer of backing to the back of the poster.
- Cut backing to match circle: Using the top circle as a guide, cut this second layer into a matching circle.
- Protect image: If you want a more durable surface, cover it with self-stick, transparent, shelf covering. This is much easier with two people. One person keeps an even tension on the roll, while the other nurses the clear, adhesive-backed vinyl onto the poster. Expect a few wrinkles. : )
- Attach hand hold: Make hand and forearm loops for the back of the poster by cutting about a foot length of 1” wide webbing or an old belt to make the loops. Have a friend hold the shield up so you can place your forearm and the back of your hand against it, and mark where the hand and forearm loops need to be. Make sure the loops are big enough to go around your gloved hand and jacket if you live in a cold-winter state. Use a hot glue gun to attach the ends of the loops to the back of the shield.
SHIELD FOR PROTECTION: In addition to making a statement, the shield can deflect pepper spray. It can also reflect some of the sound from a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) back to its source. It doesn’t replace earplugs though! If you expect to be in the vicinity of rubber bullets, consider using wood glue to cement some window screen to the shield’s back. (Photo) This substantially increases rigidity. It’s better than nothing, but staying non-violent and law-abiding helps reduce (but doesn’t eliminate) the “reason” that “law enforcement” claims is why they fire rubber bullets, and lethal ones, at US citizens.
EXPECT SABOTEURS: We’ve already seen saboteurs trying to whip up emotion and advocate violence. Expect them to be increasingly frequent as midterms approach. If you see someone throw something at law enforcement, they are not a part of this movement. Call them out.
