You will need a sturdy twig, with a fork in it, to rest on a shallow container
Wind a willow stem around one of the twigs close to the fork
Make sure you catch the tip by winding the stem over it
Wind the willow between the two twigs in a figure eight pattern.
Creating a "x" in between the stems.
Wiggle the end of one stem into the figure eight...
... and catch a new stem under the previous one
Because you are winding the stems tightly it will pull the two twigs closer. Place a twig to keep the two sides seperated
Cut into both ends of a twig with a sharp knife. Be careful not to split the entire twig.
Slip the split ends over the forked twigs to keep it open.
Continue to wind the willow
Wiggle the split twig down the forked twigs as you go along.
Wind willow stems to the end of the forked twigs
Secure the split twig with a figure eight knot of willow.
Willow paddle ready to design with
Every week I add a new design with related tutorials. Be sure to subscribe to receive an email notification with design inspiration.
This is my ongoing creative workbook to research and capture design projects and techniques. You will mostly find ideas for floral art but I will also include some other projects such as gift packaging, cards and even cake decorating with a few lifestyle projects arranged in between.
Everything you see in this workbook was designed, made and photographed by me, unless specific credit is given to another designer.
Curly Willow, Chinese Willow, Tortured Willow, Globe Willow, Dragon's Claw, Hankow Willow