Willow Split Toy Learning Craft
Use a single freshly picked willow branch (at least 40 inches long). Split the branch from the narrow end to about 2 inches from the wide end. The intact, wide end will be the deer's rear leg.
1. The deer's body is made from the two halves ['A' and 'B'] of the single willow branch.
Bend one half of the branch ['A'] at a right angle just above the split (this makes the deer's back). Leaving 2 inches for the back, bend 'A' again at a right angle down to make the front leg. Finally bend the branch 'A' back against itself to finish the front leg and make the deer's neck. |
5. Finish tightly wrapping the body with the 'B' half of the branch, about 12 wraps.
You still need about 12 inches of split willow branch to finish the deer. If your piece isn't long enough, then this is a good time to weave the end of 'B' into the body wrappings below the deer's chest. This secures the body while you shape the head. |
From http://www.nativetech.org/willow/wildeer.htm
Here is a video to aide in instruction!
Here is a video to aide in instruction!