Arts and crafts

Activity 4         Make a willow star

This is a really simple activity that could be performed with a class of primary school children. I did it at my daughters 2^nd birthday party and it proved a hit with her friends. All you need is some pliant willow rods.

Activity 15       Draw a picture with artists' charcoal

Artists’ charcoal is produced from fast growing willows which are cooked slowly for about ten hours in custom made kilns to carbonise the wood. This is a simple activity – fun for all ages.

Activity 33       Collect pussy willows for environmentally friendly wedding confetti

Instead of buying something that is mass produced why not go out for a walk and see if you can source an alternative from nature? For instance, pussy willow catkins offer a far more beautiful biodegradable alternative to wedding confetti that can be collected from a local tree in your garden or in the countryside. 

Activity 34       Make a boat that floats

Children love water and they also fascinated by floating objects. This activity produces a little wicker raft and sail ideal for floating in a garden pond or in the bath!

Activity 35       Learn to play the early Gaelic harp

The early Gaelic harp has been played in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands and Islands for at least a thousand years and is the symbol that sits proudly on every pint of Guinness that is poured.

Activity 45       Make a traditional Sussex trug

The trug is a boat shaped basket made from cleft pieces of cricket bat willow with a frame of sweet chestnut. This is a skilled activity and the best way to perfect your skills is to enlist on a course.

Activity 47       Visit the willow professionals

Take a trip to the Somerset Levels and visit the Willows and Wetlands Centre. Here you can learn about the history of willow growing and basketmaking.

Activity 49       Make a thatching spar

In order to become a master thatcher you would need at least ten years experience including a five year apprenticeship. However, with this activity you can get a feel for the craft by making a thatching spar which will probably take all of 10 minutes!

Activity 55       Making natural dyes using willows

Various coloured dyes can be extracted from different parts of a number of willow trees. Why not have a go with willows and other dye plants and create a tie dyed t-shirt or an elaborate quilt cover!

Activity 59       Make a willow flower

This activity not only produces a pretty decoration but also provides an introduction into some of the techniques required in more advanced basketry to produce a round shopping basket.

Activity 61       Commission an artist to create a willow sculpture

Willow sculptures are stunning additions to a garden or park. Why not commission a local artist to make one and show you the ropes. You could then perhaps have a go yourself making something relatively simple like a butterfly.

Activity 63       Tie a bundle of withies with the traditional willow rose knot

The willow rose knot is a thing of beauty and is still used today by some smaller growers in the field and larger growers to decorate their bundles prior to sale.  This is a quite a complicated activity and will take a lot of practice to get good results.

Activity 70       Make a willow garland for a spurned lover

Willow garlands are the basis for a Christmas wreath or can be used to play a hoop and pole game. All you need is some thin coloured willow stems and a bit of patience.

Activity 72       Make your sweetheart a valentine

There are a number of ways you can make a romantic gift for Valentine’s day. This activity shows you how to make a simple heart shape wand.

Activity 73       Make a hiking stick with diamond willow

Diamond willow is not a species of willow but a phenomenon caused by the response of particular trees to the attack of the fungus Valsa sordida. This activity will provide you with a handsome staff for your wilderness travels which will be the envy of your friends.

Activity 86       Peel a willow for "white"

The strength and longevity of withies can be increased by the removal of the bark. White rods are produced by peeling during a limited period in the spring when the sap is rising. These rods are the most highly prized and used for fine items such as babies cradles and conservatory furniture.

Activity 88       Make a Christmas wreath

Decorate a willow garland with holly, ivy and mistletoe to produce a wonderfully festive decoration for your front door.

Activity 96       Make a willow snail

This is a somewhat more advanced activity that should be attempted when you have begun to get used to handling willow. The result of your labour will be an attractive decoration for the garden.