Making the stems (Mystic River)

Any advice on getting the strips to make the bend around the frame to make stems on the mystic river? I went down to almost 1/16” and it was still snapping. I am using paulownia and would prefer to stick with that, but I am open to suggestions of any kind. 

Soak them?

Laszlo

 

Try a heat gun.   

soaking worked.

Thanks!