The branch connoisseurs that we are, we are often asked to identify branches. Here's a picture we recently received for analysis:
What's used here are Fresh Curly Willow Branches, which are typically available from late November through March. They can be bent fairly easily, making them a great choice for creating an arch.
If I were making this, I'd start with a bale of the 4-5' Fresh Curly Willow (10 bundles of 6-8 branches each). Then, I'd get a pair of attractive buckets or garden pots, fill them with plaster-of-paris or concrete, and set half a dozen or so branches in each one. Once the branches have set, I'd get out my cable ties, and start attaching branches until I have two columns that can be joined for the arch (each column would probably have to be at least 12 feet tall). Then I'd join the arch and put on the finishing touches, such as adding orchids (it looks like white dendrobiums were used here), and concealing the cable ties with something like ribbon or moss.
12 comments:
Could this arch be made using the dried curly willow? If so, how do you recommend treating the dried curly willow to make it pliable enough to create an arch?
We're afraid the Dried Curly Willow would be too fine to make the arch (you'd need a ton!). If you are looking for a branchy arch when Fresh Curly Willow isn't available, I'd suggest making a simple arch, and then decorate it with branches.
Could this be made a few ahead of the wedding and still maintain it's shape? Or will the branches dry and start to straighten out?
It would indeed hold its shape, but would become more fragile as it dries out - it probably would be best to build it within a week of when it will be used.
When is the latest you can order fresh curly willow? We're doing a wedding in mid July and love the idea of the willow branch arch. Do you have any suggestions?
Mid-March is about the latest you'll be able to get it from us - I definitely wouldn't plan on using Curly WIllow purchased then for an arch that'll be used in July. Once dry it is very fragile, and because it is so contorted and twisted together, it is almost impossible to work with.
Although we won't have the Fresh Curly Willow in July, you might be able to get it from a florist. We only sell it during the winter because it has to be fully dormant for it to dry well.
Can you spray pain the fresh curly willow arch another color, such as white or silver and still hold its shape? Or would doing this make it dry and not pliable to work with? Thanks.
You probably can, but I wouldn't do it more than a few days beforehand in case you have problems with the paint adhering to the branches and it starts bubbling up or flaking off.
Is there a branch you could recommend to make an arch like this happen at the end of August?
Hi there - It's going to be tough getting fresh branches at that time of year, which is the "off season" for Curly Willow. You should check out this post on using our Natural Birch Branches - http://www.nettletonhollow.com/birch-branches-natural.html - http://nettletonhollow.blogspot.com/2009/07/birch-wedding-arch.html You also might want to consider decorating an arch with Twisted Willow - http://www.nettletonhollow.com/twisted-willow-branches.html Hope this helps, and let us know if you have any more questions!
http://www.kmdflorist.com/images/curly%20willow%20arch.jpg
i am getting married march 2nd i want this look how do i achieve it the only branches i have been able to find are 5 ft tall i need the arch to be at least 7 or 8 feet tall my fiance is 6'2 please
Congratulations on the wedding! It is in the heart of fresh Curly Willow season so you'll be able to get just what you need. To create an arch to accommodate the tall groom, you just need to bind the branches together - attach one part of the way up another. A couple of cable ties should do the trick. Hope this helps!
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