A Little Information About Alaskan Diamond Willow...

Alaska Diamond Willow is a naturally beautiful wood that is highly sought after.  It has a creamy colored sap wood, a reddish colored heartwood, and diamond shaped formations around the base of the smaller branches.  Diamond willow is not a readily available wood in all parts of the country.  Actually, there are only a few states that have the willow which forms the beautiful diamonds. Alaska just happens to be one of them.

Carvers enjoy working with it.  It carves easily, and the grain is closely spaced.  Each piece has individualized character due to twists, indentations and coloring.

Our artisans dry the willow slowly, to prevent cracking and damage.  This process takes a few months to a few years, depending on the size of the piece.

Should you decide to try your hand at hunting and harvesting your own while in Alaskan forests, please keep the following in mind...

·         If there are so many mosquitoes that you can’t breathe without inhaling at least 100 of the little bugs at a time, then you are probably pretty darn close to a stand of diamond willow.

·         The mosquitoes might be willing to pack you off (they are always very hungry), but they will not help you carry your treasure back out of the woods (no matter how much blood you offer them).

·         Alaska has lots of bears, brown and black.  Please be "bear aware" and make lots of noise so they can hear you coming and you don't startle them.  Also, be sure you have a hiking companion or two with you.

·         Our wilderness areas are owned or managed by someone, somewhere.  This can range from the Federal Government, to Native Corporations or private owners.  Be sure to pay attention to any "no trespassing" signs, and check with the Department of Forestry for harvest permits and regulations.