How to Make Twig Garden Furniture

Stand of willows

Crafted from readily available and natural sustainable materials, twig furniture (also known as bentwood, willow, stick or wicker) has added rustic mountain charm to homes for centuries. Willow gathered from nature is a renewable resource. When branches are cut, a new limb grows in its place. The creative do-it-yourself homeowner can easily fashion environmentally friendly home furnishings from harvested twigs.

Things You'll Need

• Hand Saw
• Chain saw
• Draw knife
• Pocket knife
• Hatchet
• Oil wood sealer
• Polyurethane varnish
• Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Willow buds

   Sketch out your planned design to determine the amount of twigs and limbs you will require for your project. Bentwood, or twig furniture is limited only by the imagination of the artisan. Incorporate twisted and tangled pieces with character and charm into your design. Accentuate burls or deformed branches.

2. 

   Bent red twig

   Select the type of wood you would like to incorporate into your project. All species of willow (there are over 250 different willow species found around the world), mountain laurel, rhododendron, alder and box elder are harvested to fashion into furniture. Choose whatever wood you find attractive that is available locally. In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, diamond willow is a hands-down favorite for its unique dark diamond pattern and unusual twisted shapes. North Carolina artisans prefer red willow to craft furniture pieces of outstanding beauty.

3. 

   Willow by river

   Explore stream banks and marshes for trees with unusually formed trunks and visual appeal. Select strong and sturdy branches and twigs with no evidence of wood rot or insect infestation.

4. 

   Chainsaw at work

   Cut branches in early spring, before the sap starts to rise. Although they can be harvested at anytime, it is easier to peel limbs and branches when the sap is down. When looking for branches to cut, it is also easier to see the shape of the limb before the tree leafs out. Cut limbs with a hand saw or small chain saw.

5. 

   Old wood carving tool

   Peel the bark with a draw knife if desired. Some artisans peel only some of the bark to retain a rustic feel to the furniture, others peel all the bark from burls, cat faces (scars or deformities on the tree trunk) or twists or tangles that add character and charm to the finished piece. Hand sand lightly to remove any splinters or slivers. Start with 100 grit sandpaper. Progress to 200 grit paper for detailed areas.

6. Soak branches in a tub of water prior to peeling or forming. Keeping the wood moist will retain its flexibility. To craft a chair make two "ladders" for the back and front of the chair. Carve out tightly fitted joints with a hatchet or carving knife. Glue the joints and use two-inch wood screws to secure the limbs in place. Cut and assemble the cross bracing limbs. The seat can be fashioned from woven twigs, or recycled barn wood.

7. Seal the wood with a petroleum-based oil sealer or two coats of clear semi-gloss polyurethane varnish.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your furniture creation like any other fine hardwood furniture piece. Protect from the weather and store inside during winter months.

• Wear safety goggles and ear protection when operating a chain saw or other power tools.

References

• Can't Stop Making Things: Twig Chairs
• Natural Tree Furniture: Plan How to Do It Yourself Free
• From the Forest: Whimsical Twig Chair