Willow catkins are soft to the touch.
The shimmery fluffy catkins of pussy willow twigs and branches work well with delicate feathers in household craft projects. Whether you wish to decorate your home with a sophisticated willow and feathers display or help your children explore the use of texture in art through different projects, willow and feathers will bring a touch of softness to whatever you're making.
Greeting Card
Feathers, catkins and small willow twigs glued together form nature-inspired collages on greeting cards. A folded, letter-size sheet of colored card stock gives you a basic greeting card. Use small twigs to indicate a basic tree shape, and glue on feathers or catkins around them to give the impression of foliage. Even small children can make these simple cards. Make bigger versions on a single sheet of card, and frame as pictures.
Display Bundles
Willow branches make delicate display bundles to show off in tall vases, sit in an unused fireplace or decorate an empty corner. Match catkin-covered willow branches with creamy and brown ostrich feathers to create a subtle, but remarkable, display of natural objects in neutral colors that begs viewers to reach out and touch. An ivory or light gray satin ribbon wrapped round the bundle will hide securing wire and bring out the colors of the feathers. Smaller versions of these can be made using different types of feathers. Match black and white eagle feathers with a bright red ribbon tied in a large bow for a dramatic contrast.
Rattles
Seek inspiration from native American rattles for this kids' craft project. Use a Y-shaped willow twig as the base for the rattle, and tie a piece of yarn between the two arms of the Y. You can wrap different colored yarn round the twig, securing on beads and feathers as decoration as you go. Ask children to look up the significance of different colors and types of feathers in Native American culture to help with this project.
Candle Display
Willow branches make a natural table centerpiece and set off a floating candle display beautifully. Twist willow branches into a circle large enough to fit round the base of a glass bowl, and use spray-on craft adhesive to attach feathers around the edge of the circle. Silver and cream floating candles give a light airy look when floating in water. You might use pale pink candles for a feminine style, and match with dyed pink feathers for a modern twist. Use caution to ensure flames do not come into contact with the wood or feathers.
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