On my online workbook this week: I mean… really!?!

Dear

This week's inspiration is this time of year where we notice, and I mean really, really notice twigs.

My tip for you this week is to make it easier to wrap willow stems around the relatively small twigs. Make sure the willow stems are fresh and well hydrated. Then prepare the twigs by control breaking the willow stems in tiny sections to make it even more pliable. No need to do the very tip. But where the stem gives a bit more resistance it is a good place to start to manipulate the stem. Place the willow tips between the pad of your index finger and your thumb nail. Make tiny pinches into the willow twig bark. Just notches, really. Not so deep that it cuts through the bark (see the close-up picture above). Nor should it even bend or snap. Just enough so that the wood fibres are more pliable when you bend it around the thicker willow twig.

Also, and this is my personal opinion, do not be too precious about it. A bit of imperfection adds a touch to it that makes it uniquely hand made. This is not an off-the-rack design solution and that is worth showcasing. I like to see the artist's hand in all design work. I am absolutely not talking about sloppy craftsmanship... just enough to make it obvious that you actually made this.

Enjoy!

Every good wish,

Christine

ps: Looking at the design it seems a pity not to see it from all angles so I will add a video for you if you want to come back and have a look later today.