Do-it-yourself twig chair

8. Position back ends of side braces inside back legs and under bottom rear beam. Position front ends of side braces outside front legs and under top side beams (Photo 1). Using 2-1/2-in nails, fasten to front legs only. Examine frame, making sure everything is symmetrical. Square up frame by pushing or pulling on beams. Using 2-1/2-in nails, fasten back ends of side braces to back legs.

9. Secure frame by double nailing in every location.

10. Using 2-1/2-in nails, fasten front seat beam to top side beams just behind top front beam; attach rear seat beam to top side beams 5 in from top rear beam (Photos 1 and 2).

11. To make first armrest: Select 5 or 6 shoots and bow each along length by flexing gently over knee. Place root end of first shoot inside bottom front beam (Photo 3); bring other end up and over to outside of back leg, forming gentle curve with highest point of bow 28 in from ground approx in middle of side. Bend down upper part of shoot and using 1-5/8-in finishing nails, fasten to back leg approx 8 in above top side beam (Photo 4). To achieve desired amount of armrest flare beyond outside of chair, adjust shoot by adjusting free root end at front. Nail first shoot to top front beam, 4 or 5 shoot widths away from front leg. This shoot is the first of 5 or 6 to be installed. Make any adjustments using lower free end, then, using finishing nail, fasten to bottom front beam approx 10 to 12 in from end of beam. Repeat for other side. The shoot ends will be cropped later.

12. Fasten each successive shoot to back leg on top of preceding shoot, Using 1-in finishing nails, fasten shoots to each other at 4- to 5-in intervals over entire length.

13. To make headrest hoop: Bow each shoot as in Step 11. Place root end of first shoot inside top side beam on outside of armrest and behind rear seat beam, leaving overhang of 3 to 4 in (Photo 4). Loop shoot up and over chair back in front of headrest beam and down other side of chair, positioning shoot in same manner as on other side (see photo at top of page). This is bottom shoot of headrest hoop. Add remaining hoops on top of previous shoots, alternating root and top ends. Adjust, then, using 1-in finishing nails, fasten to headrest beam and at intervals as in Step 12.

14. To make back/seat: Rasp root ends of each shoot. Place first shoot in through back at centre, having rasped end resting on top front beam and upper end loose behind headrest hoop. (The rasped ends will be lined up evenly to create front edge of seat.) Gently push shoot downward from top to work shoot into gentle curve at back of seat. While holding curve in position and using 1-5/8-in finishing nails, fasten to rear seat beam; then fasten to front seat beam, then to stretcher. Space each successive back/seat shoot as desired, matching curve of first shoot as closely as possible. Using 1 nail per shoot, fasten loose top ends to hoop; crop shoots at top. Crop armrest ends (see photo at top of page).

15. To preserve chair: Using 1 part turpentine to 2 parts linseed oil, finish.