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 the branches into it! 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 and when I’m tired of it I always end up pulling the branches out and it isn’t easy.
Start by inserting branches from the left and from the right to form the beginning of a spray at the bottom.
Continue to add branches to the spray, building up the middle.
Add the rest of the branches from the bottom up towards the top until they meet at the top.
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.
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.
These are so pretty..I can see why people would be snapping them up before you got to the craft fair!
I have no pussy willows around here..but if I did i would soooo be making these!
TFS :)
Very pretty and your photography is beautiful as well,
Visiting from A pretty life in the suburbs, I now
See that talent runs in your family. Xoxo
Lucy
really like the design of your blog and love your pictures…..
SUPER CUTE!!!! Pussy Willow just screams SPRING!!! Visiting from CareyCottage.Blogspot.Com
These are so beautiful! I love the upclose photos of the pussy willows. Very beautiful!
That is so cool. I really love the first and fifth photos.
That is amazing! And on the red wood? Outstanding! Love the wreath, and love the contrast of colors in the photo. Great job!
beautiful!
Gorgeous. I put pussy willow branches (well twigs really) in a flat-back basket last year and hung it on my front door, but this year I have done NOTHING! Now it is too late for pussy willow around here, but I’m going to put this on my inspiration page and give it a try next year. Thanks so much for the idea (love the spray you did at the bottom of the wreath) and for the gorgeous photos against the rustic wooden building.
Hello, new to your blog. You have beautiful photos!
so beautiful!! :) thanks so much for sharing! rebecca
So pretty…love your shots too!
Oh man I’ve been fixated on pussy willows all spring! I think I need to get to a farmer’s market and pick up a bunch asap!
Love this wreath and your photography is gorgeous! I wish I could find pussywillows around here, I had to buy mine at the store. Ill definitely be making this sometime!
That wreath is really beautiful. I wish I had access to pussywillows…I would definitely make one of these. I found you over at Centsational Girl’s party. I am your latest follower. I would love for you to come and check out my blog and follow me back at http://www.diybydesign.blogspot.com. Thanks so much.
I absolutely love your pussy willow wreath!! So fantastic- I would love to make one of these! Now following along~Stopping by from CG today~ I host a Friday decorating party if you would like to come join sometime- love this!
Stunning! I just found this now… wow. I’d love to make one of these!
Donna
Beautiful. If only I could figure out a way to become one of the “select few” that receives these as gifts. Lol.
Barb…I absolutely LOVE your wreaths…they are so beautiful! I definitely want to find some pussy willow and create a wreath like yours. Thank you so much for the tutorial!
This is gorgeous. The photography, the wreath, the barn. I’m dying!
Oh. My. Goodness. I LOVE pussy willows and you did an amazing job making the wreath and taking those photos!! What a beautiful gift to give…
<3 Christina @ I Gotta Create!
Happened upon this post in Pinterest and am totally in love with the wreath!! Can you still make this wreath if your pussy willows were picked a few weeks ago…or will they be too fragile?
Many thanks