Willow is suitable for many kinds of creative work:
- traditional basket weaving and special woven structures
- many other handicrafts using knotting, tying, or weaving on a loom
- a wide variety of crafts: gluing, nailing, stapling or binding
- garden construction projects of all kinds, from embankments and support structures to living decorative forms
- stage sets, decorations and artworks – even living environmental sculptures
WORKING WITH WILLOW
Dried willow and soaking
Dried willow rods can be stored for years in a dry storage space, as long as they are kept away from moisture and protected from rodents. To make them flexible again, proceed as follows: Soak the willow rods in water in a suitable container or in running water. Use weights to keep them completely submerged.
The soaking time depends on the thickness of the rods and the temperature of the water: Thin rods (base diameter up to 5 mm) become flexible in about 4 days in cold water, medium rods (5–10 mm) take about one week and Thicker rods may require up to two weeks
Bacteria will soon develop in soaking water, so the water in containers should be changed frequently. Otherwise the willow and especially the bark may become fragile and start to peel off. You can test whether the soaking time is sufficient by bending the base end of the rod into a right angle. If it bends easily, the rods are ready and weaving can begin.
After soaking, the rods must not be allowed to dry out. You can prevent drying by:
- covering the rods with plastic (remember to air them occasionally to prevent mould)
- storing them outdoors in a sheltered, cold and shaded place — in winter a snowbank works well
- freezing the rods in a plastic bag for later use
- spraying them with water while working
Fresh Willow
Fresh willow remains flexible from a few weeks up to a couple of months. Willow stored in a cool and dark place can be woven for a long time.
Fresh rods should not be soaked in water, as they will absorb water and become harder to bend. Drying of the tips can be slowed down by spraying them with water or wrapping them in a damp cloth.
Colour Changes
The colour of willow changes as it dries. Different willow varieties change colour in different ways. Soaking may also slightly alter the colour of dried willow.
Finished willow products can be painted or varnished once they have dried completely. If untreated willow is kept outdoors, it will gradually turn grey and lose colour contrast over the years, but it can still remain structurally sound for decades.
WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS
Seija Viitanen has been designing willow crafts and teaching the use of natural materials for decades. During these years she has created dozens of step-by-step guides in her “Paljon pajusta” (Lots from Willow) instruction series, including drawings and photographs.
These guides cover willow uses, weaving techniques, living willow structures and much more.
If you need more information about willow cultivation, weaving techniques or other uses of willow, you can contact Seija for advice or ask about these written instructions. When ordering willow from us, the written instructions are also available free of charge.
DIFFERENT CRAFT TECHNIQUES
Traditional weaving in its many forms is a very rewarding craft technique. Learning and practising weaving opens up many possibilities for creating useful items as well as decorative pieces. The world of weaving is vast, and the techniques can also be used with many other materials besides willow.
Willow threading, sometimes called “chaos weaving”, is perhaps best known from willow balls. However, willow rods can be threaded into many other shapes as well. Various metal meshes and supporting structures can be used as a base, as well as dried willow arches and other forms. This technique works especially well for creating animal shapes.
Binding and knotting with different threads and materials, as well as weaving on a loom, are also well suited to working with dried willow. Because dried willow has already shrunk, knots and bindings will remain tight.
Good binding materials include:
- various types of wire
- cords and strong threads
- linen and cotton thread
- for outdoor work: hemp, jute or tarred rope
With these techniques you can create everything from small decorative items and trivets to large outdoor screens for wind and privacy protection.
GROW WILLOW IN YOUR GARDEN
Living willow plantings can bring a completely new look and colour to your garden. Willow does not produce root suckers, so plantings remain where they are placed and allow the gardener to guide the growth freely.
However, willow does require regular pruning. Cutting back new growth and directing the growth shape is a yearly task. At the same time, the pruned rods can be used as excellent material for craft projects.
Examples of what can be grown from willow:
- garden furniture, sculptures and structural shapes
- willow huts, fences, gates, arches, tunnels and labyrinths
- so-called “potted willows” — woven living willow sculptures
- privacy and wind protection screens, walls and partitions
