There are many varieties of basketry willow. They come in many colors and sizes.

It is best to harvest willow when it is dormant. It works best for me when the ground is frozen so my sticks don’t get too muddy.

Sorting is a fun process. I like using a bucket: I pull out the tallest sticks and then lay them out in similar sized bundles.

I let my willow stand for about a year, protected from sun and rain.

Soaking takes 2 to 6 weeks. It takes much longer when the weather is cold!

Finally, you get to weave. In all of my weaving, you will find only the natural colors of the willow bark.