HAZEL BALL WITH IVY BERRIES

Old tree stumps and gateposts are the perfect places to find mature ivy with clusters of architectural berries. A collection of these globes in varying sizes looks great hanging from the ceiling – or hang just one to catch the light from a window

MATERIALS

Nine thin pliable hazel (or willow) branches approx 100cm long, with the twiggy ends left on 20 or so ivy berry heads Florist’s stub wire cut into 7–10cm lengths Ribbon for hanging

TO MAKE

Form nine rings about 26cm in diameter from the lengths of hazel, overlapping the ends and leaving the twiggy ends sticking out

Put eight rings together to form a segmented ball, and fix at the top and bottom with florist’s wire. Put the ninth ring horizontally around the ball and fix to the vertical rings with florist’s wire

Weave the twiggy ends of the hazel into the ball shape – cut off any extra bits that you don’t want

Wind a cut piece of florist’s wire around the stem of each ivy berry head, leaving a 3cm end to fix to the hazel ball, then randomly attach them and pinch the wire tight with pliers. (Please note: ivy berries are toxic)