Threads 80: Stars, or, how to make a star with one willow rod

One of the pleasures of living in a small village is being part of the community. Coming up on November 18 we are celebrating Christmas in McDonald’s Corners. As well as a Christmas sale at MERA and caroling at the general store, the Basketry Museum is inviting people to come and make a Christmas craft. 

What to do? A grapevine wreath is pretty easy with grapevine and a few pinecones and red berries, but not exactly original. 

Then I thought about making a mobile with stars made from willow rods. I have tried making willow stars before without success. This time I looked up how to draw a star, and there was my answer. Easy Peasy?

A star is made of 5 segments. Using a pencil, a complete star can be drawn without lifting the pencil off the paper, and therefore could be made with a long piece of willow. See the sketch below to simply and easily make a star. Start by marking five equal segments on a long willow rod. To make it even simpler, I pre-bent the willow at the markings before making the star, and leaving a little extra at the beginning, and the end to tie it together with a piece of black linen. If it is too difficult to bend the willow, it should be pre-soaked if not fresh. It can also be pricked with an awl if necessary. Stars can also be made with red dogwood, and golden and brown willow, resulting in a collection of stars with different colours.