Diamond Willow!

[kmk42019]

I was wondering if there is any diamond willow growing in the state of MD. I was interested in carving a walking stick from this beautiful wood but wasnt sure if it grew in this region.
Thanks!

[DiamondWillow]

I am not sure about DW growing in MD, but I have shipped quite abit of it there and to the East Coast so I am guessing it might not. Drive on over to Minnesota and we will go out and get you one.

Gene

[kmk42019]

Id love to if the drive wasnt as far. Do you sell diamond willow and how much is a unfinished stick normally?

[AlArchie]

Audubon Society's field guide shows it growing south to Maryland, so there probably is some in your area. You might find it there, known as Bebb Willow. Check along RR right-of-ways near moist areas or creekside, or some low-lying farmland that is beginning to get overgrown.

Al

[kmk42019]

Is there a easy way to identify the diamond willow(or ebb willow). I live right near the gunpowder river and also near railroad tracks, but im not sure i know exactly what im looking for. Id like to make a walking stick for my dad from scratch so any help is greatly appreciated!

[DiamondWillow]

There are a few pictures on an old web site of mine.
http://diamondwillowwood.tripod.com/

Then click on diamond willow photos, hope that will help you out. Good Luck

Gene

[Minn Okie]

Hi I have noticed everybody thinks you are the master of Diamond Willow. I have sooooo many questions. Where in Minnesota do you live? We go there a lot. We purchased land there and I have my first two pieces of DW. Can you tell me where to start and what to do. I cut them on Friday evening. Loaded them in the pickup camper and came south to Oklahoma. I have a shop but not sure where or how to start. THanks

[DiamondWillow]

I sure don't know about the Master of Diamond Willow. That just means I was the only one NOT smart enough to stay out of the swamp.....About 8 years of running around the swamp for a hobby, now that's not too smart.

Glad you were able to come up with some pieces for yourself. I would let them dry for a bit in a basement or unheated or cool spot, maybe a month or two and then you can start taking the bark off of them and clean the bark out of the diamonds. Then sand the sticks up real nice and smooth or carve on them or whatever you would like to do. When I was selling sticks I would take a heat gun and melt some paraffin wax on the ends of the sticks. It really does help them to not crack, you can even do that before you let them dry out a bit. Hope that helps you out a bit and have fun with them.

Oh yes, you asked where I was from in Minnesota. I live at Parkers Prairie which is located about 20 miles North of Alexandria, MN or 150 miles NW of Mpls.

Enjoy your sticks.

Gene