How to Make Your Own Unique Willow Bird Feeder
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Handmade willow bird feeders take us back to a time when artisans meticulously crafted everyday objects with care and precision using what they had in their immediate surroundings. Willow, known for its flexibility and strength, serves as the perfect material for weaving intricate designs. Each feeder is a testament to the artisan's skill, with every curve and knot telling a story of dedication and craftsmanship. In this post, I will be sharing how I made my own handmade bird feeder using willow from my farm. This was an incredibly fun and relaxing spring afternoon craft activity.
finding inspiration from the pasT:
I felt inspired to embark on crafting one of these intricately woven bird feeders, captivated by how seamlessly they harmonize with the organic beauty of our farm's surroundings. Weaving with willow and other natural stems is something that has been done by humans for thousands of years. I have always wanted to create my own woven garden decorations, and this was my first attempt at getting started!
Fresh or Dried Willow?
Though I wouldn't claim mastery in the art of weaving, I felt compelled to experiment with crafting simplistic, natural bird feeders as a sustainable means to nourish the birds that visit our farm. The abundance of willow trees on our property made this craft an ideal match for what I had available!
One aspect I've discovered through research is the importance of drying willow shoots before weaving. Freshly cut willow has a tendency to shrink significantly, potentially compromising the integrity of the woven project. Thus, the recommended approach involves drying the willow first to mitigate this issue. Subsequently, soaking the dried willow renders it flexible enough for weaving.
Despite this advice, I chose to proceed with weaving the feeder immediately. Only time will tell how this decision impacts the longevity of the project! I am crossing my fingers that I see decent results.
Supplies to make a willow bird feeder:
Willow Branches: I used 8 4-foot (1.2-meter) lengths of willow for my base and about 2 dozen various lengths of smaller willow for the top and small handle.
Pruning Shears or Garden Knife: You will need this tool to cut the willow branches.
Directions to make a willow bird feeder:
Step One: Pick out 8 willow branches that are approximately 4-feet (1.2-meters) in length. You will be laying 4 branches over 4 branches, making an X.
Step Two: Take a branch about 4-feet (2-meters) in length and use it as a your weaving branch. With the weaving branch, begin to go over and under the sets of 4 about 3 times. You will be going in an over and under pattern, as pictured above.
Step Three: Seperate the branches into sets of 2 and start weaving around those about 3 more times. You will now have the beginning of your base.
Step Four: In order for the weaving to work properly, you will need an uneven amount of branches. I kept my sets of 2, but eliminated one set in order to have 7 sets of 2 to weave around. Continue to weave over and under, adding branches as you go, until you have a base you are satisfied with. I made mine approximately 5-inches (13-cm) in diameter.
Step Five: Tie up your lengths so that you can begin weaving the sides of your feeder. I made mine about 2-inches (5-cm) tall.
Step Six: Begin to weave from the opposite end of your feeder. I came down approximately 4-inches (10-cm).
Step Seven: Weave a small ring in order to make a holder for your feeder, 2-inches (5-cm) in diameter.
Step Eight: Cut the string that was used to tie the branches together. Place the ring in the center of the branches on top and begin to weave the remaining lengths back into the top, securing the ring in place. Trim any excess willow and voila, you have a unique, rustic, hand woven bird feeder!
Final Thoughts:
Handmade willow bird feeders aren't just accessories for our gardens; they're gateways to a world where craftsmanship, nature, and sustainability intersect. As we hang these feeders with care, we not only provide for the wild birds, but we also enrich our own lives, finding tranquility and joy in the rhythms of the natural world. So, let us embrace the art of slow living, one bird feeder at a time, and rediscover the beauty of simplicity.
xoxo Kayla
Meg Oversized Dress and Beth Pinafore from Little Women Atelier (gifted).
