I typically start cutting the wood to what size I want and removing leaves. Then I boil wood for 20 minutes, and switch out dark water for clear water if it has too many tannins or dirt. Then I scrub them in room temperature water to remove any residue/dirt that hasn't come off. I then air dry under a fan until the outside looks dry (this means the oven has less work to do- hot air only holds so much moisture and it also helps prevent cracking or bark separating from the wood). You want to bake until the wood is dry throughout if possible. small twigs should snap in half easily instead of bending. For thicker sticks look at them ends. They will look dry throughout (when still wet the core will be dark with water) and may have small cracks radiating from the center. I typically cut a few in half from each batch to ensure it's all done.
