An explosion of pussy willows!

Every spring I go out into the countryside and gather pussy willows. I create these wreaths as soon as I get enough gathered and while the branches are fresh and pliable - it's amazing how durable they are when fresh. I used to sell these wreaths at craft fairs and one year I had them all sold before I even got into the building! as I carried them in, people in the parking lot snapped them up - it was crazy. However, I don't sell them anymore, I just give them as gifts to a very few select people!

The 'how to' is really very simple. Start with a purchased 18" willow wreath base. It doesn't have to be the best kind - actually the looser the base the better since all you do is start stuffing pussy willows! and don't stop until your happy! I went over the top with my wreath and crammed in branches until I couldn't cram in any more - why not! it's over the top, but fun! I would caution you, however, to start smaller and that you periodically hang it where you are going to put it to make sure it fits - it's better not to have to trim it after the fact since it removes the wild looking branch ends. Oh, and one more thing, there is no glue or wire involved - the pussy willows themselves hold the wreath together if you stuff in enough. I have never had one fall apart - when I'm tired of it I always end up pulling the branches out and it isn't easy. And lastly, it's wonderful while fresh but if you hang it where it isn't going to be bumped it will practically last forever.

18" wreath base

Insert branches in a spray-like form, working out from the middle

Side view

Then start filling in the middle to create a centre explosion!

Then, just start stuffing branches up the sides until they come together at the top and finally, fill in any gaps with shorter branches to fill it out. Make sure you fill up the sides and towards the back enough that when you view it from the side you don't see the base. Hope you've enjoyed my little tutorial and enjoy your wreath!