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-bottle brush tree
-lycopodium (dried and preserved greenery) -white glue -tweezers -glass or jar -wax paper -tweezers
NOTE: Absence of scissors. Never cut lycopodium
Steps 1-7 are for outdoor tree. For indoor Christmas tree, follow thru with the tree skirt, starting at Step 9.
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Step 1 |
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READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE PROCEEDING
Lycopodium comes in branches and must be broken apart USING YOUR FINGERS, NOT SCISSORS If you use scissors, the ends of the branches may eventually go brown.
The bottom branches will naturally be longer, so only pull apart enough to do the bottom, long enough so that it will extend ¼-38” beyond the edge of the bottle brush tree
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step 2 |
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-For ease in handling and working on the base of the tree, turn your tree upside down in a glass or a jar.
-Spread glue on waxed or foil paper and dip the end of the branch into the glue.
-Apply the branch to the bottom of the tree from the center to the outside, letting it extend just beyond the edge of the bristles. Work around the tree adding layers if necessary, so that the area between the bristles and the base is filled.
Let dry thoroughly, overnight is best.
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-Once your base branches are dry, you are now ready to work on the rest of the tree.
-I find it easiest to work on a turntable which is raised, but this isn't necessary, as you can turn the tree as you go along.
-Break off several bunches of smaller pieces and lay them out on your workspace. Don't do too many at a time as your branches will get shorter and shorter as you work up the tree.
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| step 4 |
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-Spread apart the bristles of the tree and place the lycopodium in the space between the bristles. Work around the tree…DO NOT work up the tree. Let the branches extend about 3/8”
beyond the bristles. Do not be concerned if there are some which stick out more, as this can be rectified later. Also, do not be concerned if there are different lengths. The 3/8” is just an approximation.
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| Step 5 |
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-As you work up the tree, the branches you snip with your fingers will become shorter and shorter so that you keep the symmetry of the tree.
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| Step 6 |
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-When you near the top, about ½-1” from the top, begin laying very short branches down on the tree, rather than trying to place them sticking out. This will give a nicely shaped tree avoiding a ‘rounded top’
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| Step 7 |
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Let your tree dry completely, overnight is ideal. You will have little 'bits' sticking out, some noticeably longer than others. Using your fingers, snip off any longer strays.
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Your tree is now completed and could be placed outside in your landscaping. However, if you wish to have it indoors, it looks nice if you make a skirt for the tree. Continue on with the following steps if this is what you would like.
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-Using a compass, measure from the center inside to the outside edge of your skirt.
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Compass, felt (colour of your choice), cardboard, scissors, trims of your choice (ribbon, rickrack, or fancy trim)
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-Use the measurement from Step 9 to draw a circle on cardboard.
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-From felt, cut a circle slightly larger than the cardboard.
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| Step 12 |
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-Fold the felt in quarters (fold in half, and then half again).
-Snip the point with scissors
-Make a cut from the edge to the center hole.
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| Step 13 |
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-Slip the felt on to the bottom of the tree, adjusting as needed. Apply glue to the edge of the felt and then to the cardboard. Let dry.
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-Using scissors, trim the cardboard and felt so they are even. Do not worry about any puckers, as this will be covered with trim and parcels.
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| Step 15 |
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-Use trim of your choice to go around the edge of the skirting.
The skirting in the sample could have been made a little wider, but the choice is up to you.
You can now decorate it with garlands and decorations of your choice.
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