Bonsai Class

Using wire cutters, cut various lengths of cloth-covered wire 1" - 2" long.  The number of wires depends on how big you want your bonsai to be.  In the sample I cut 12 wires.

Twist the wires together for the trunk.  Twist the trunk long enough so that you have room to hold on to it; the excess can be trimmed later.  Begin to twist 2 or 4 together, and then separate these into 1 or two wires, forming branches twisted in different directions.

Using Delta Ceramacoat Brown Iron Oxide, or a similar brown, paint the wires, squiggling down into all the twisted crevices. 

Using Tacky Glue, or any craft glue, apply to the ends of your branches.

Put some Woodland Scenics Turf out on waxed paper.  You can either dip the branches into the turf or you can sprinkle it on.  Let it dry, and then shake off the excess.

If you wish, after it is dry, you can use hair spray or an acrylic sealer to 'set' the turf, but it isn't absolutely necessary.

Choose a container which is not very high.  Fill it with plasticine, floral clay or even Fimo, then apply glue on top.

Mix dried used coffee grounds with a little bit of aquarium gravel, or sand, just to give a bit of texture.  Sprinkle this on top of your container which has glue.  Shake off the excess, and wipe the edge of your container if you have 'dirt' where you don't want it.

Cut the trunk of the bonsai so that it is quite short, but leaving enough to plant into your container.  Just poke it into the container.

If you wish, you can add a larger decorative rock or a tiny figurine.  You may be able to find an Oriental charm which would look lovely sitting by the bonsai.