Using a Froe

I used my new froe to split some willow branches into strips that I will using in a project I have going on at the moment. The willow branches were quite thin and had some awkward knots which meant they do not split straight all the way down, this is not to much of a problem because I have cut them thicker than needed so I can correct the shape with a draw knife or spoke shave later.

Here are some photos of how a froe is used...

Pussy Willow

The warmer days with their misty mornings and sunny afternoons have woken the pussy willow and now the little furry catkins (the male flowers) are bursting out of their buds.

Pussy Willow catkins, March 2012