Whenever it comes to decorating your home with artificial trees, weeping willows will top the list, thanks to the ornamental beauty attached to it! But the ready-made ones can be expensive, and hard to find a perfect size for them. So why not create one at home? But how to make a primitive willow tree?
Twisting and attaching some wires together and placing icicle ornamental branches on them makes a perfect primitive willow tree. For the natural look, I will share some tips right here in this article.
What Materials Do You Need For DIY Willow Plant?
Before getting into the process, make sure to arrange these materials beforehand. Having everything together takes away half the stress while crafting –
- Take 30 to 40 gauge wires, and make sure they have a shine and are sturdy.
- Wire cutters and hand gloves. As a cutter is risky to handle, gloves are a must.
- Hot glue and icicle ornaments.
- Hollow tubing rods to make the tree root.
- Wood base to hold the tree.
How to Make a Primitive Willow Tree: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a fake weeping willow is not only about bending wires. It takes the perfect twisting and placement for the trunk and branch. So to come up with an almost real-looking DIY willow tree, follow these steps –
Step 1: Prepare the Wires
From local craft stores or jewelry making sections of a store, ensure to buy some wires. With a wire cutter, cut 5 inches-long strips from them.
Hold the wire from the middle and start twisting it. Make a loop in the center with a pen or pencil. If it seems tricky, attach a bead to the center of the wire and bend the wire around it so that the end meets.
Keep a ¾ inches gap under the bead, and twist the wire to keep the wire ends on each side of the twist.
Also, you can gather a few wires together and start bending and twisting until it forms willow branches. Here is a short video tutorial to help you with the process –
Step 2: Twist Several Strands
Once you twist and make several wire branches with loops, then take two strands and place one over another. The strands should look like crosses. Now, by keeping a half or ¾ inches gap from each wire, start twisting the strands together so that it looks like a single branch with twigs.
Repeat this step with three or four strands together as well. After creating enough branches, twist and attach all branches together.
Step 3: Create the Root
From the main branch of each strand, isolate a few wires and transfer them through a hollow rod. It will provide extra support to the fake root.
Now, twist the remaining wires that you have not isolated over the rod. Keep twisting until they cover the rod.
Then, the rod will look like a trunk of a willow tree. This step might seem tricky, so watch the video for better clarity –
Step 4: Attach the Base and Roots
Take a wood-based board and drill a hole wide enough that can hold the trunk properly. Insert the root into the drill, and if you want, you can apply hot glue around the base.
Then, with some wire strips, make tree roots by twisting them. Attach the roots around the trunk on the board with glue. If possible, you can drill holes to attach them. But it will be quite troublesome.
Step 5: Add Willows or Foliage
Bend the branches a bit and attach icicle willow ornaments to the loops. Add them in clusters so the natural look of pendulant branches will appear. Now you are all set to place this wire willow tree anywhere at home.
How to Care For Fake Willow Tree?
Just because it is an artificial weeping willow does not mean it does not require any kind of care! Yes, it does, but a lot less than a real tree. So, to keep the willow shiny and straight, follow these guidelines below –
1. Pick Debris
Due to traffic or heavy wind, the branches can tangle together, or debris can get stuck between them.
With your hand, gently detangle the faux branches. And make sure not to tear the beads. Then, remove the debris. And make sure not to place the plant in an arrangement that is not congested with other decorative items.
2. Dusting
It is usual that dirt and dust will sit on the root, foliage, and twigs. And it will reduce the shine of the tree. So, with a soft bristle brush, gently remove dust from these parts once a week.
Dust from top to bottom. It will prevent the dirt from sitting on the cleaned parts.
3. Blow Compressed Air
Spraying compressed air with a hair dryer is the easiest way to clean the tree. But for that, you need to take the plant out and blow air on each part. Otherwise, the dryer will cover indoors with dust.
A natural weeping willow has air pollution tolerance, so you might be wondering whether to go for a fake one or a natural one. If adding beauty is the only purpose, go for a faux plant. And as described, it takes less maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):
Is A Faux Weeping Willow Better Than A Natural One?
It depends on your purpose in getting the tree. If you want improved air and are into gardening, natural trees are obviously the best. For home decor, faux is the ideal choice.
What Is the Lifespan of a Fake Willow?
If you maintain the tree properly, it will last a few years. Otherwise, the branches or roots can break or lose shine.
Should You Clean A Fake Weeping Plant with A Damp Cloth?
No, it will quicken the rust development on the branches. So, avoid spraying or sweeping with damp clothes.
Conclusion
If you are into crafting and plants, you will probably once in your life wonder how to make a primitive willow tree. Because it has its own charm as a crafting project. Even if you are not a good crafter, feel free to gather some wires and start twisting for a beautiful faux willow.
I’d suggest not using low-quality wires as they can break easily while bending.