1. Cut your willow canes in the fall. This is when they are most pliable. Choose canes that are about 1/4 inch in diameter or smaller.
2. Soak the canes in water. This will help them to become even more pliable. Soak them for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
3. Bend the canes into the desired shape. You can use a variety of tools to bend the canes, such as a pliers or a bending jig. Be careful not to bend the canes too sharply, as this could cause them to break.
4. Secure the canes in place. Once the canes are bent into the desired shape, you need to secure them in place. You can do this by using wire, tape, or nails.
5. Let the canes dry. Allow the canes to dry for at least 24 hours before moving or using them.
6. Once dry, the canes can be left as they are or finished with shellac or polyurethane to protect them from the elements.