How To Make A Willow Basket

How much willow do you need to make a basket?

How many willow shoots are recommended? For small baskets, around 60. For medium baskets, around 125. For large, around 170.

What type of willow is used for basket making?

There are three willow tree species commonly grown as basket willow trees: Salix triandra, also known as almond willow or almond-leaved willow. Salix viminalis, often known as common willow. Salix purpurea, a popular willow known by a number of alternate names, including purple osier willow and blue arctic willow.

What can I use to weave a basket?

There are many types of natural fibers that can be used to weave a basket, like various kinds of tree bark. For example, grasses, bamboo, vines, oak, willow, reeds, and honeysuckle are all commonly used materials for weaving.

How many willow branches are in a basket?

Gather the willow rods and bundle them with the cut end together. Allow willow rods to dry before weaving them into a basket. You will need 3 to 5 willow stools, with 20 to 30 rods each, to weave one medium basket. You’ll want to plan this into your willow garden.

Is growing willow profitable?

Although willow can be a very profitable cash crop for growers, don’t overlook the dozens of other valuable woodies that are available. Planting a diverse mix of species is a sensible form of insurance for most growers.

How long does it take to weave a willow basket?

It takes him just over an hour to make a small basket but students in his classes will take 2-3 hours. Be prepared with 100 pieces of willow when you go into making a basket — it really takes that much!.

Can you use fresh cut willow for weaving?

If you make something with freshly cut willow be aware that the weaving will loosen as it dries and shrinks, potentially, leaving gaps in the weaving. Ideally, you should wait, say, 6 weeks from cutting before using it to allow dry a little, whilst still being flexible.

Can you weave with green willow?

Green willow refers to undried willow that in theory could sprout life again if stuck in the ground. If you weave a basket from willow straight off the tree (green) it will shrink as it dries so distorting your baskets shape, this is why we usually work with willow that has been dried and then re-soaked.

Can you grow willow in pots?

It can be grown either in a container or planted in the garden and will tolerate a sunny position. If you do plant the Willow in a container you would be far better using a soil base compost such as John Innes No 2/3.

What are two of the most common methods of basket weaving?

There are three main weaving techniques: coiling, plaiting and twining. Basketry of the Northwest Coast uses numerous variations of these methods.

How do you make a simple paper basket?

To make a simple paper basket, cut strips of paper the same length and width from 3 sheets of paper. Then, weave the base of the basket with 4 horizontal strips and 4 vertical strips. Fold the 4 loose ends on each of the sides up, and weave 2 strips of paper around all 4 sides to complete the sides of the basket.

When should I harvest willow?

Willow is harvested during the dormant season. This can be any time after the leaves have fallen and before growth starts in the spring – usually November through March.

How do you store cut willow?

Place the bundle(s) on a shelf, rack or up on a pallet in a dry location. Ideally, you want air to be able to circulate around the willow rods. Do not place in direct sunlight. Yellower varieties, such as Flanders Red and Dicky Meadows tend to dry differently to Black Maul (where the skin is one colour).

Are willow trees worth anything?

Willows and cottonwoods have long fibers that are good for paper but not really for lumber. They tend to warp easily and not have much figure to them or strength. Willow is the wood of choice for violin family blocking and linings and can fetch a decent $ if well sawn and dried.

How long do willow baskets last?

If you’ve purchased a willow plant support, obelisk, or have left your basket outdoors for long periods of time, please understand that natural weathering will occur and willow left outdoors has a lifespan of 3-5 years, longer if coated with a natural finishing oil every year.

How long does willow last outside?

A willow sculpture will typically last about 3 – 5 years if treated annually with a general wood preservative and can enhance any garden or outdoor area.

How do you make a wreath with willow?

Willow Wreath Tutorial: Use thin and long willow stems for your wreath. Start with 3 long stems and twist or braid them together loosely. Bend your stems to form a circle and cross over the ends. Once your stems form a rough circle, hold them together with one hand, and intertwine the ends with your other hand.

What can I make with willow branches?

Straight Willow Branch Weaving Things such as vases, mats, chairs, baskets and many other decorative or useful items can be woven from willow branches. Each willow weaving project requires several branches, stripped of their leaves.

How do you dry willow branches for weaving?

The willow should be wrapped in a moistened cotton sheet and then loosely covered with plastic or a tarp. You will need to mellow your willow, wrapped in this moistened sheet, for two days. Check on it every day, moving the bundles around and airing them out so that mold doesn’t form on the bark.

Can you soak willow?

You can soak willow in a soaking bag, in the bath (be aware that the tannins in the willow bark may stain your bath) or in an outdoor pond or pool. Water butts are also handy (some people recommend using large drain pipes capped at one end).