Willow catkin branch felt

So sustainable as decorative: hand-felted from pure new wool, these willow catkin branches give themselves permanently fresh and budding and seem just as fluffy as their nature-given role models, the catkins of the sal willow. Thereby, the felt-wrapped wire branches not only allow a stable arrangement in the vase, but also offer themselves for further decorative ideas, for example, for gift wrapping or the place decoration on the Easter breakfast table.

After all, an Easter without willow catkins would not be a real Easter - one denies the Easter bunny yes also not the Easter eggs. The branches of the willow covered with furry buds owe their significance to Christian customs. Every year on Palm Sunday, Christians commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where, according to tradition, the cheering crowds laid out the Messiah's path with palm fronds. Since palm trees do not grow in Europe (at least not voluntarily), especially in Roman Catholic regions, the willow tree, which buds as early as March, was chosen for church decorations and processions. Today, however, this tradition has its pitfalls, because the native willows (Salix caprea) are now protected. For good reason: as early bloomers, saltwillows are an important bee pasture, providing bees, bumblebees, butterflies and many other insects with the first vital food after winter.
These felted willow catkins form there a beautiful alternative, which can also elicit a smile from conservationists - and all the more sustainable, as you can arrange the branches throughout the spring and next year again to the appealing bouquet will.

During her backpacking tour through Nepal, the Dane Gry Staunstrup got to know the astonishing openness and warmth of the country’s inhabitants, and their craftsmanship bedazzled her. She was able to observe in detail how adeptly and skilfully Nepalese women felted wool into a wide variety of objects. Staunstrup felt it was time to make something good out of the untapped potential, and an idea was born: to combine Nepalese handicrafts with Danish design. And the idea was immediately followed by action.

The company Gry & Sif started producing a variety of products made of wool felt in Nepal in 2000. The designs created by Gry Staunstrup are as remarkable as they are understated and, characteristic of Danish design, at the same time fresh and merry. Nepalese women turn them into products employing traditional handicrafts. Fair Trade certified by now, Gry & Sif stands for fair wages and working conditions, environmentally conscious production and transparency. The company exclusively sources pure new wool from New Zealand sheep for the felting; each of the resulting products is handmade and unique.

This product is an example of genuine handicraft; therefore, minor deviations in size and colour may occur.