Tree Building From Scratch
Suzie Batters
Photos by the author
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What You Need
Two small modelling pliers; wire, several widths; wire cutters; florist’s tape; silicone sealer; paint; dyed wool; flock; PVA glue; and hairspray.
I take lots of photographs and look at trees, this is the research that you need to make trees a success.
First, wrap the wire between two dowels. Once you have enough lengths, slip one end off the dowel and place it into the chuck of a drill. Then gently spin the wire, remembering not to over twist as the wire will then split. You need only to have enough turns to make it manageable to use. Take the wire out of the drill and off the other end of the dowel.
Next cut the required lengths that you need to make the tree. I do sometimes use a variety of widths of wire. When you have the lengths that you need, pop a little tape on the bottom to secure the end. This makes it easier to handle.
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Once you are at this stage then you are ready to construct the tree. I start from the trunk and work to the top of the tree. The tape that I use is florist’s tape, the one with little stick to it.
I start to produce the branches by taking some wire out to the side and forming the fingers of the branches. This is a slow process so take your time and don’t rush it.
The next stage is to make sure that the tree is looking like a tree. Make sure that the trunk tapers just like a tree does. Remember to always research the tree.
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Once you are happy with the way it looks then coat it in frame sealant mixed with a little bit of water to make a manageable paste. Please don't add too much as this will drag back down to the bottom. I normally do one layer then wait and repeat this until I am happy. Concentrate on building out the trunk.
Leave the tree for a few days to harden, then you are ready to paint it. The colour depends on which tree you are creating. I use an airbrush to apply a brown base then dry brush the detail onto the tree. Again this is not to be rushed as the detailing takes time.
When the paint is dry you can start to add the foliage. I use sheep's wool and dye the sheep's wool various shades of green. I then mix a few of the shades and stick the sheep’s wool onto the tree with PVA glue.
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By now it will look like a tree. I add the foliage from CM3 models, which I have found to be one of the best. Others are available on-line, at shows or in the shops according to your preference.
To make this stick you spray the tree with hairspray. I use the cheapest I can find. Doing this in sections will give you the best result. Once the tree looks right give it one really good spray, then you are done.
Enjoy looking at your finished creation.