Twig Craft Techniques

Tips, Hints and Secrets
for Building Rustic Twig Projects

I've developed many twig craft techniques, some derived from carpentry and cabinet making techniques, some based on methods used in building log fences.

I first started getting serious about twig craft making when I moved into the Chilcotin in 1992, where I made twig and barnboard crafts such as twig chairs, planter boxes and barnboard tables.

Most of these items found homes in displays of pottery and other crafts, as well as being used for photography props.

Rustic country crafts combine well, whether they are hand thrown pottery or rusty romantic items from rustic salvage such as old horse tack, tools or enamel ware.

Most of the techniques I use are simple, using commonly found tools. None of these techniques require power tools, in fact I much prefer to make twig crafts using hand me down tools from my grandfathers’ old tool box.

As a crafts person coming from a long line of artisans, using the old techniques and tools gives me great pleasure and satisfaction.

Having said that, I do really like my set of rechargeable drill and screw gun, loaded up with a little drill bit and a Phillips screwdriver bit.

Wire Technique for Making Rustic Crafts

I wire trellises to the wall, and routinely use wire to construct the trellis itself.

To attach two twigs together with wire is easy, although be prepared to practice a lot – you’ll use this technique everywhere once you get the hang of it.

Take a piece of wire about 15-20cm long, and place your two twigs to be joined across it. Take the two ends of the wire, and twist them in place with your fingers to hold them in the right place.

Pinch the two twisted wires in the pliers, and twirl the pliers. Don’t let the wire go until it’s tightly twisted around the two pieces of twig.

Then take each end of the wire individually and twist it around the end of the needle nose to make a pigtail. This finishes off the wire and takes the sharp point out of play so you don’t get hooked on it. It also makes a great looking finish, like a flourish.

Practice this until you get good at it, it’s a great party trick!

Nailing Techniques

There are two ways to prevent this. One way is to hammer the point of the nail before you attach the twigs. This makes it go through the twig without splitting it.

Another way, for larger twigs is to make a pilot hole with a drill bit a tiny bit smaller than your nails. Twirl the nail and the drill bit between your fingers and you’ll be able to tell which is bigger. You don’t want to use a drill bit bigger than the nail, as the nail will be too loose.

Only drill partway through the twig, and then the remaining part will hold the nail tightly.

I use Ardox or twist nails for most twig work as they won’t work their way loose as the twigs dry.

These two techniques for making twig and other rustic crafts will take you far.

Using Screws for Building Rustic Crafts

Be careful when using drywall screws as sometimes under great stress the head of the screw will break off, leaving a dangerous stub behind.

Deck screws are a little stronger, but the colour is too bright for some items. Try and find the coated deck screws which are a dull brown colour. You’ll also need a Robertson screw bit as the deck screws have a square slot.

I use several of these twig craft techniques in any given project, whichever one is appropriate. Add them to your repertoire and see what interesting twig crafts you can make.

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Rustic Crafts

Tools for Twig Craft