To properly seal a bag of crisps, biscuits, coffee and the like, to keep it fresh for longer, you can create a very handy clip from a branch. Clothes pegs used to be made in the same way.
The wood
A twig about 1in (2.5cm) thick and 4–6in (10–15cm) long is perfect. The part that will clip the bag is preferably as straight as possible. The handle may be crooked or gnarled, whatever you like. Looking for the ideal branch for this? Then hazel is the easiest: soft but strong wood. Especially the new shoots growing out at the base of the bush, which are exceptionally straight with few side branches and have long pieces of vequal thickness. It is also very suitable wood for making arrows and spears.
From branch to clip in 4 steps
1. Before splitting or sawing the branch lengthwise, you need to drill a hole. The reason for this is that when you use the clip, you open both sides which may cause the split to crack further. A 3⁄16in (5mm) hole is enough. Drill straight through the branch to ensure you go through the middle on both sides.
2. Secure the branch in a vice or with a clamp in order to saw it lengthwise from the top to the hole. Sawing is slow and controlled. Using a rip saw will make it faster since you’re sawing along with the grain, but with an ordinary saw it also works. Another option is to split the branch by placing a knife on top of the branch and hitting the back of the knife with another stick. This provides less control and you need some luck to get the crack to end exactly at the hole.
3. To get a bag into the opening more easily, it is important to widen the first 3/8–3/4in (1–2cm) and enlarge the opening slightly. You do this by cutting outwards (with the grain) with your knife using the thumb or potato grip.
4. The rest is up to you to refine or decorate the clip. If you used a fresh branch, the split can open up a little more after drying. To prevent this, clench the split with a rubber band and it will remain closed even when it’s dry.
