How to Make a Willow Whistle
A great activity to whittle the time away on a hot summer's day is making a willow whistle. This craft used to be practiced by past generations, but it is fast becoming a lost art. Learn the technique to make a willow whistle and pass it on to future generations.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Straight, smooth section of willow twig approximately 8 inches long
- Sharp knife (Swiss Army knives work well)
- Water
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate a branch of willow that is around 1 inch in diameter, around 8 inches long, straight and with no branches. Cut one side at an angle, while cutting the opposite side with a straight cut.
-
2
Rotate the angled cut to the bottom of the whistle. Cut a small notch on the top part of the twig, positioned just past where the angled cut ends.
-
-
3
Cut a ring around the twig around half way down the whistle. Only cut through the outer layer of the bark. Do not cut through the wood completely.
-
4
Hold the flat end of the twig. Insert the twig into the water. The twig should be covered from the angled tip to the ring circling the wood. Keep the twig immersed for a few minutes. Remove from water and gently tap the bark with the back of the knife blade. Gently and carefully twist and pull the bark off the twig. The bark will be placed back on the twig, so be very careful not to rip the bark. Dip the bark in water to keep it wet.
-
5
Make the notch deeper and extend it towards the flat end of the whistle, stopping just short of the bark still on the whistle.
-
6
Dip the barkless part of the whistle in the water again, making the wood feel slippery. Very carefully slip the bark back onto the whistle. Blow in the angled end of the twig to produce a whistle.
-
7
Wrap the whistle in a damp towel when not in use, this will keep it from drying out. If the whistle does dry out, soak the whistle in water for a couple minutes.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Knives are very sharp. Always cut away from the body to avoid accidents.
The willow whistle will only work if the moisture level in the twig is high.
