If you’re not gathering willow from your own property, be sure to ask permission before you cut any branches. You may need a permit to cut wood from the side of a road or highway, but if you contact your local highway department or local government and ask permission, they may allow you to trim a tree. After all, it means less work for them!
You will need about 150 ft (46 m) of smaller branches to use for your furniture. Keep the thin branches pliable by putting the end you shear into a container of water.
Gather about 50 feet (15 m) of larger branches.
Trim carefully and always cut away from you with your knife.
Use cutting shears for the thinner pieces and a saw for the thicker ones. Trim any ends to prevent the branches from splitting.
Lay the longer branch at a slight angle if you want the rear of the chair to lean back further.
Use nails that are long enough to go through both branches but not so long that they’re sticking out so far that they could cut or scrape you. When you finish crafting one side, make another one that is complementary to the first one using the same procedure.
Always nail branches to the legs of the chair to avoid the wood splitting.
When you’re finished, lay the frame on its opposite side and repeat the process.
Make sure the nails aren’t sticking too far out so they don’t scratch or cut you when you sit in the chair.
Use a carpenter’s saw to cut the thicker branches.
Make sure you use nails long enough to penetrate through both of the branches. Then repeat the process again with the other 2 18 in (46 cm) branches.
Wobble the frame to make sure it is stable. If it is shaky, you can add additional nails to help stabilize it.
