Several types of willow branches are suitable for making twig furniture or baskets. Branches from willow trees and bushes are flexible when small and sturdy when thick. Use the thicker, older branches for table legs and framing, and use smaller branches for filling in surfaces or twisting around larger branches for decoration. Willow branches grow best in or near bodies of water and are easily harvested any time of year. Willow furniture is appropriate for rustic décor, cabins, gardens and patios. This pattern makes a small 18-inch tall table with a 16-by-12-inch table top.
Things You'll Need
- 4 willow branches, 18 inches long and 1 inch in diameter
- 4 willow branches, 14 inches long and 1 inch in diameter
- 4 willow branches, 12 inches long and 1 inch in diameter
- Assorted willow branches from small twigs to the size of a pencil
- Saw
- Pruner
- Cordless drill
- Wood screws
- Hammer
- Small nails
- Wood glue
- Liquid nails
Prepare the Willow Branches for Building
Cut willow branches to the specified measurements with the saw and prune away any leaves or twigs that are sticking out. Pre drill all holes before assembling the table. Use a one-eighth-inch drill bit and drill into the ends of all the side pieces. Drill holes in each of the four 18-inch pieces two inches from the top. Drill a second hole in each of the four 18-inch pieces 14 inches from the top.
Build the Willow Twig Table Frame
Lay out two of the 18-inch pieces of willow and attach one of the 14-inch willow pieces to the top and another to the bottom. Do this by drilling two screws from the outside of the leg, through the willow and into the pre-drilled holes. This is your first side frame. Lift the frame onto its side and add the four 12-inch pieces of willow to the frame, one at a time, perpendicular to the side frame. Drill a screw through the outside of the side frame and into the pre-drilled hole in the end of the 12-inch piece of willow. Repeat this for the other three 12-inch pieces. You should now have something that looks like half of a table frame with side pieces sticking out on one side. Attach the two remaining 14-inch pieces to the top and the bottom of the table frame opposite the first two legs and side supports. Finish the frame by attaching the remaining 18-inch pieces to the unfinished side of the table. Attach these by drilling through the outside of the 18-inch piece with a screw into the pre-drilled hole on the 14-inch pieces you added in the previous step.
Completing the Willow Twig Table Top
Lay out the assorted willow twigs that are left across the top of the frame and trim each piece to the right length. Use the hammer to attach each piece to the top of the table frame with a small nail on either end. You can also use wood glue or liquid nails to attach the small twigs to the top of the table if you don’t want to nail them together.
Willow branches are flexible, so feel free to bend them as needed while you're working to make attaching to other pieces easier. Don’t worry about perfect angles on this table, as the natural shape of the branches adds to the charm of the finished piece.
Sources:
Bluestem Nursery, "Willows for Basketry and Twig Furniture," (Accessed November 2011)
Patti Richards - Patti Richards is a freelance writer and editor, former teacher, wife and mother of three. Patti writes children’s books and stories ...
