Autumn activity: Willow crowns

Willow weaving is a wonderful outdoor craft activity and a firm favourite during sessions in The Dell at Wick Court. Using freshly cut willow, you can create a beautiful crown fit for a woodland king or queen!

About willow

Willow is a familiar sight across the UK, often found growing beside rivers, ponds and damp ground. There are many different species, but all share long, slender, flexible stems that make them ideal for weaving. Willow is usually gathered during the dormant months, from late autumn through to early spring, when the long, flexible rods are ready to be harvested. They are ideal for weaving and shaping into all sorts of creations. Freshly cut, green willow is the easiest to work with, as it remains flexible and can be shaped into all sorts of creations, from crowns and bracelets to bird feeders and sculptures.

Child's hands weaving willow along with the hands of an adult's hands in a farms for city children sweatshirt

What you’ll need:

Fresh willow rods, approximately 60-100cm long
Secateurs (adults should help with cutting)
Natural materials for decorating, such as flowers, grasses, leaves or feathers (optional)

Child's hands holding the base of a willow crown

Making your willow crown

Select two long willow rods. Gently bend one into a circle that fits comfortably around your head and twist the ends together to secure it.
Take the second rod and weave it around the circular frame to make it stronger. Tuck the ends securely into the weave.
Continue adding more willow rods if you’d like a thicker crown. Weave each rod in and out of the frame, following the natural curve of the circle.
Once your crown feels sturdy, trim off any sharp or protruding ends.
Now it’s time to decorate! At this time of year, fallen autumn leaves are plentiful and will bring a variety of beautiful colours to your crowns.
Place your finished crown on your head and admire your handiwork!

Child's hands adding berry decorations to a willow crown.

Looking after yourself and nature

This is a great activity for children, but make sure they are supervised when using secateurs. Take care when bending willow, as the ends can spring back unexpectedly.

Only collect willow where you have permission and take just what you need. If you’re gathering any natural decorations, make sure you know and identify the plants you are picking (free apps like pl@ntNet are really helpful for this), don’t pick rare or protected plants and always leave plenty behind for wildlife and other people to enjoy.

Most importantly, have fun creating and connecting with nature through this calming craft activity.