Pussy willows are a popular type of ornamental cut-flower used to decorate homes during the Lunar New Year. They are admired for their silvery catkins, which refer to the slim cylindrical flower clusters that emerge from the long branches. They represent the arrival of prosperity and these stalks are frequently decorated with gold and red ornaments that have auspicious meanings such as prosperity and happiness.

They are often discarded after the festivities. With a little creativity, willow stalks can be transformed into beautiful and unique ornaments by employing simple methods of cutting and wiring used in floristry.

Materials

Materials required include 5 stalks of pussy willow, binding wire approximately 1.5 m long and 1 reel of metallic silver wire. Both types of wires are available from art and craft shops as well as those which supply floristry materials.

Step by Step

Step 1 - Cut willow stems into short pieces approximately 2.5cm long with a pair of secateurs. You will need 30 to 35 pieces to make one ball.

Step 2 - String up the willow sections by coiling binding wire round each piece of willow stem and linking them together.

 

Step 3 - After a string of about 30 to 35 willow stems has been completed, coil the entire length to form a tight ball.

 

Step 4 - Use fine metallic silver wire to reinforce the pussy willow ball. This final step is important so as to ensure that the entire structure does not loosen and fall apart over time.

Step 5 - The pussy willow ball can now be used as ornamental stand. In this example, we perched some plastic birds on the balls. You can also spray the balls with various colours and use them in dried floral arrangements, and or even hang them on your Christmas trees!

By Pearl Ho