I think of them as being a product of the Great Depression, others think of them as being emblematic of gypsies. . . Regardless, they look like they would be fun to make!
Knowing how to make these willow chairs is one of those almost forgotten folk crafts of our past…. And today we’re talking about how to make one with Justin Roberts of Walk the Willow!
I’ve been curious about these chairs for years, but have never known anyone who could show me how to make one. Recently I was reminded of the craft when I passed a clump of larger willows (somewhat rare in my area), fortunately Justin was willing to come on the podcast and chat about the craft!
16d Twisted Decking Nail (this is an example, please source them at your local hardware store if you can. At 16d it is the size Justin said he used for the frame but he also used various smaller sizes as well)
Panel Nails (As mentioned above, please try to source from your local hardware store. I put this here so you could see an example of what you were looking for.)
Example Pictures
Pictures were provided courtesy of Justin Roberts from Walk the Willow
Frame with the arm benders being put into placeFinished frame with arm and head bendersCompleted chair! Looks comfortable eh?
Nick LaHaise joins us on the podcast to discuss willow basket weaving. He’s been teaching at several of the traditional skills gatherings for a few years and is co-founder of the Hearth Folk School where he teaches a willow weaving class among others.
Nick became introduced to traditional skills and handcraft as an adult when he became interested in permaculture, and discovered a passion when he tried his hand at weaving while attending a traditional skills gathering. We both highly recommend skills gatherings and suggest checking out any that happen to be in your area– a link to a few in the western U.S are listed in the resource section at the bottom of this page.
As far as basketry goes, among other things we discuss: harvesting your willow– what to look for and when, drying the willow, soaking to rehydrate, mellowing, weaving the base, turning the spokes and going vertical, Nick’s suggested weaves for a beginner, splicing new weaver willows in, shaping the basket, finishing off the weavers, weaving the border, and adding a handle.
