How to make a willow woodland deer
23 April 2025
How to Weave a Willow Deer
Materials & Prep
- Pre-cut willow rods for tail, neck, and body sections.
- Extra cut-offs used as weaving rods.
- Optional: Bodkin to help insert rods.
- Reference model for proportions (previously made reindeer).
Step 1: Build the Body Framework
- Begin weaving at the back (butt end of the rod).
- Simple weave pattern: under-over-under-over.
- Keep weaving flat; avoid zigzag/dog-tooth effect.
- Turn corners positively to prevent twisted/weakened structure.
- Maintain consistent spacing; push rods occasionally to level.
- Thin rods can be joined midway; weave carefully to maintain thickness.
- Compact the weave and trim any excess rods to neaten the body.
Step 2: Weave the Neck
- Use a thick rod for the neck; bend slightly above the existing weave.
- Ensure neck remains wide enough and does not collapse.
- Weave upward toward the head, keeping pattern consistent with body.
- Reference previous reindeer or visual proportion guide.
- Finish at the desired neck length.
Step 3: Shape the Head
- Optional: create a template or sacrificial piece to plan head shape.
- Insert front-facing rod for the nose; bend back to form face.
- Weave in tight section to fill head.
- Feed rods carefully through weave to avoid kinking.
- Front of head: weave tip of rod into previous rows, trim excess.
- Optional decorations:
- Red willow for nose accent
- Attach small red ornament for Rudolph effect
Step 4: Finish & Add Details
- Insert small silver birch twigs (or additional willow) for antlers/decoration.
- Push twigs down into weave securely.
- No glue required; allows disassembly for storage.
- Trim base so reindeer stands neatly.
Tips & Notes
- Work slowly and steadily; thick rods require patience around corners.
- Consistent spacing ensures even and attractive weave.
- Reference prior models to maintain proportions.
- Can create multiple small reindeer for display.
- Flat-packable design for storage between Christmas seasons.
