BIRD’S NEST WREATH
Materials and tools
Snips; natural twine; 8 plain or coloured willow rods 1.2-1.5m long, freshly picked from hedgerow or garden, or soaked in water for 24 hours to make them pliable; 3-5 larch ( Larix decidua) stems at least 60cm, with cones; 3-5 alder ( Alnus glutinosa) stems at least 60cm, with cones and catkins; length of old man’s beard ( Clematis vitalba);
5 x 30-50cm pieces of curly willow ( Salix x sepulcralis ‘Erythroflexuosa’) or yellow dogwood ( Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’); ribbon or braid to finish.
To make
A willow hoop forms the base of this wreath. The willow must be pliable so use freshly cut stems or soak dry willow in water for a day to soften it. If the willow is too dry, it will snap when you try to bend it. For a hoop 20-30cm in diameter, start with a willow rod at least 1.3m long and twist it into a circle, starting from the thicker end. When you have the size you want, weave the rest of the rod in and out around the circle to hold the shape. Take a second length of willow and tuck the thick end into your frame, about 10cm on from the thicker end of the first piece. This will hold it in place while you wrap the piece around the circle. Do this with six to eight rods until the hoop feels rigid. Finish off by tying the thinnest end around the hoop. Thick ends will stick out from the circle at various points; cut them off with sharp snips and the hoop will maintain its shape.
Tuck lengths of alder in and out round the hoop, then do the same with the larch. Aim for a pleasing shape; you should be able to maintain the circle and keep everything in place by winding the stems round the willow hoop, but you may prefer to tie the alder and larch to the willow with a few short lengths of twine. Next, place a few lengths of old man’s beard around the twiggy wreath, then poke curly willow stems through the other materials and wrap them round, leaving the ends flying free.
I use woollen braid for the hanging loop, but for extra attitude try sumptuous velvet or any luxurious trimming.