Expert: Renee Aun - 6/9/2007

Question
I'm making an Elizabethan farthingale and want to use willow for the hoops. A
neighbour has a HUGE weeping willow & can supply me with lots of raw
material. How do I process the willow for use as "willow bents" for my
farthingale?

Thanks
Kat

Answer
Hi Kat,

What an awesome project! From what I've found, willow doesn't need any processing if it is fresh. If it's not a soak in warm water should loosen it up.

Here is a site all about the willow and basketry:
http://www.msu.edu/user/shermanh/galeb/

Have fun!
Renee Aun
spices