Tree Making for Beginners

John S. Lloyd of Green Scene

Step 1

Take a bundle of tree making wire (GS324 or GS325) and wrap with masking tape, up to approximateley one third of its length.

Step 2

Select one sixth of the bundle and bend out at the tape to 90°. Split this into two and twist together tightly for one quarter of the total length. Split one of the two forks in half and twist together again for one third of the remaining length. Split and repeat until you have only two wires remaining, twist these until you have only a small fork. Repeat the process with the other half of the branch.

Step 3

Wrap tape around the bundle, above the branch you have just made until you have an appropriate distance to the next branch. Repeat steps 2 and 3, rotating the branches as you progress up the tree, reducing the length of the twists to make the branches shorter nearer the top of the tree.

Step 4

Having twisted the skeleton to your satisfaction, bend the branches in an irregular fashion so that the tree looks realistic. Using a one inch paintbrush, daub the 'Flexi-Bark' (GS402) onto all of the tree, leaving the base of the trunk until last. Leave until dry and then repeat, washing the brush in water. On drying the 'Flexi-Bark' will shrink and reveal the bark texture which can be overpainted with any form of paint or dye. 'Flexi-Bark' is rubberised and therefore allows re-shaping of the branches at any time.

Step 5

Take a small pinch of 'Foliage-Fibre' (GS316), about the size of your thumbnail and gently tease out to about 4" diameter. Repeat with about 8 or 9 pieces. Using 'Extra firm hold' hairspray, soak the pieces until large droplets are visible. At this point,take a pinch of the leaves and sprinkle on, very much like salt and pepper, until the desired effect is achieved.

Step 6

When all of the fibre pieces are dry, they may be applied to the branches using P.V.A. Once the adhesive has set, the fibre can be teased up to give a more three dimensional appearance. This is intended to give you an easy start into the fun of tree-making. Once you have tried this method, you will find it very easy to progress onto more specific types of tree.

All of the items required can be purchased from Green Scene at very little cost, either at exhibitions , or by mail order.