This Week: Make a Woven Willow Wreath

Willow tree stems are ideal for crafting! Willows have a fast growth rate, and in Spring when the sap is flowing freely the long stems are extremely flexible. It's possible to weave and create a number of items with willow branches; a wreath is a simple yet beautiful way to use them! This week's activity, weave a wreath from willow twigs!

Materials: Four-foot length willow twigs (can also use flexible twigs of other woody plants like dogwood, or cotoneaster for example) Pruning shears

Step 1 - Cut Gather some fresh willow or other flexible twigs. Cut thin branches into 4-foot lengths. Fresh and thin (no bigger than your pinky finger) are extremely pliable and are perfect for weaving. Strip the leaves, leaving stems only.

Step 2 – Loop To make the wreath, start by forming a loop with a thicker stem. Form the first stick into a circle the size you want your wreath to be. Wrap the end of the stick around itself to secure the shape. The thicker end can stick out of the ring if needed.

Step 3 - Add Use a second stick and wrap and weave it around the ring, starting a quarter turn past the starting point of the first stick. You can leave the thicker end of the stick out of the loop if needed.

Step 4 –Repeat Continue adding sticks, starting each new stick a quarter turn past the previous starting point. The wreath should start becoming more and more rigid as you add more sticks. Any ends that cannot be tucked neatly into the wreath can be trimmed off at the end.

Step 5 – Final Wrap When you start reaching the desired thickness of the wreath, trim and cut off the straggling ends with pruning shears. Give your wreath a final polished finish by wrapping a couple long, thin twigs around your wreath - tucking and hiding both ends into the weave.

Step 6 – Drying and Decorating your Wreath The wreath can be used as is, once it is dry it should last for years. It will dry naturally and the color will darken as it dries. The wreath itself should hold together well through tension, and you can easily add decorations to it. Either directly insert flowers or other decorative items into the weave, or attach them by wrapping floral wire around the wreath itself. ENJOY this attractive addition to your home!

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