Don't start willow basket weaving without watching this first - Advice for Beginners

I've found #basketmaking with willow to be difficult. Working with willow you've grown yourself is complicated because it takes multiple seasons to do it properly. Specifically, the process of buffing and drying and then soaking is not as easy as it seems. In this video I make a garden obelisk from willow I planted four years ago. I'm only partially successful, but in completing my first weaving project, I offer a view into the process and reflect on lessons learned that may be helpful for beginners.
My favorite videos about willow basket weaving are:
• How to weave an obelis...
• How to Weave a Willow ...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:04 Making a DIY beam compass
0:34 Laying out the circular jig
1:10 Assembling the jig for the garden obelisk
1:43 DIY willow steaming chamber
2:03 One-year-growth willow
2:32 Assessing the flexibility of steamed willow
3:05 Can you buff willow without boiling it?
4:13 Starting the garden obelisk
4:40 Placing the ribs of the obelisk
5:00 Unboxing a custom made bodkin
5:19 Steaming dried willow for weaving
6:40 Trying to weave for the first time
9:14 Finishing the obelisk with green willow
10:32 Reflections and advice

[@prepi5630]

Start willow weaving whenever you want

[@lisascenic]

Honestly, this is both impressive and very helpful.

[@norbertkurth3830]

I´ve learned that steaming primarily is forcing reddish dye from the bark into the wood. You have to strip of the bark directly after steaming or cooking to achieve this effect of light reddish-brown stakes. When you strip green willows the result is a white stake. If you let them dry and the bark stays on, you have a brown stake. Best time for coppicing or pollarding is mid winter. Benefit: No leaves to bother. Fresh willow is not good for basket weaving due to shrinkage during drying. The result would be a loose and wobbly basket.

[@emmamacasaet8827]

Aww! Your welcome 🫶🏻🫶🏻 great vid

[@Folktopia]

Thank you baby girl 💕☀️☀️☀️

[@alisn.7998]

You may have to wrap freshly steamed willow in a blanket for up to 4 days, while you make your basketry. I believe that helps soften the willow so that it bends more easily. Certainly, that’s what you do after soaking willow for several days, as you tried at first. It’s very satisfying to create something useful out of natural materials, isn’t it, even if one makes mistakes at first. I enjoyed your video.

[@Folktopia]

Thank you for the advice! I’m willing to try anything. This year I am waiting to harvest until the second black moon of the new year (which I think is in March or April). I think it has something to do with sap rising or falling? I like the idea of wrapping the willows. Thanks again!

[@desertflower66harney]

I love it! Keep going!

[@elizabethmacasaet153]

So cool!! 👍🏼🤩

[@Folktopia]

why thank you very much, miss thang 🫰💕

[@aestew]

Steaming is never a replacement for Soaking willow. You should soak willow until it is properly prepared and then steaming adds both the tiniest bit more flexibility, a beautiful waxy sheen and extends the time the prepared willow will still be weave-able. Mellowing also usually takes a day or two of just being wrapped in a blanket to further soften and make pliable the bark of brown willow.

[@Folktopia]

That’s good information. Thanks for sharing. This year I harvested my willow in February and I’m wondering if that will somehow help when I soak it. In the past I must not be soaking it long enough, but I thought a week would be enough.

[@jotsntittles5783]

LOL - SOme of the vocalizations (on fast forward) remind me of CaveMan movie starring Ringo Starr

[@Folktopia]

Thank you! I never saw it, but I watched the trailer and it looks super funny :)

[@Opaleyesopen]

Question! I'm I northwest Florida. I make pine needle baskets. I'm interested in looking for willow. I don't know where to look or what to look for. Here, I think trees is the option. I don't think we have the kind that I see here.

[@Folktopia]

Hi! The variety I have is Zone 4-5, but I found this one for Florida www.fann.org/plants/detail/salix-caroliniana There are some nurseries linked on the page. I think Willow trees can work depending on what look you are going for. You might check with your agricultural extension office to get the local scoop. They’re usually pretty helpful sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/

[@trenomas1]

So many tools. Not really for beginners. Still helpful.

[@Folktopia]

I totally see your point. Willow has been tough for me to learn on my own because of the specialized tools and the rarity of good prepared materials. I usually like to learn things by myself, but I can see how a class in willow basket making would be worthwhile.

[@trenomas1]

@@Folktopia I don't think you need a class. You've stepped on the path and you know your next steps. If you want to make more large structures, I suggest you mess around with green hazel. It bends well. If you want baskets, I'd recommend English Ivy. It's very easy to get lots of.