How do you preserve a willow sculpture?
To help to preserve your sculpture it is best to cover your item when it is very wet weather . The part of the sculpture that is in contact with the ground will be the first to decay so placing it on dry ground such as gravel, or a grassed area that has good drainage will help to preserve it .
How long does willow last outside?
about 3 – 5 years
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.
Can you weave with fresh willow?
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.
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 store willow rods?
The willow rods should be cut as close to the ground as possible, sorted by variety and gathered into bundles of a size that is easy to handle. Tie the bundles in several places to keep the rods straight. Then store them in a dry place, upright, leaned against a wall or lying flat.
How long do you need to soak willow?
Soaking for too long and it may become slimy, too short a time and the willow will be too rigid still. We have seen a rule of thumb that says soak for one day per foot of length so, four foot lengths of willow should be soaked for four days.
When should I take willow cuttings?
How to propagate willow. Willows are easy to propagate from withies or cuttings. You can take softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter, which will root quickly once in the ground.