Steve,

I think your tree-making box is an inspired design. I made them a couple of years ago using a drill and a needle nose pliers, but the box is a better idea because it will keep the trunks straighter.

https://www.cardboardchristmas.com/foru ... ?f=4&t=967

The main problem I had was trying to keep the fibers evenly spread out along the wire. Have you found a way to do that? I did find one source online where the person making the little trees added a thin bead of hot glue along the wire as the fibers were laid on the wire. I didn't try that method though.

Also, there are some incredible spray inks so you can color your trees beautiful colors. If I am staining a lot of trees, I usually use RIT dye, but if I need only one or two colors, then I will spray them. I'm including a photo of some purchased bottle brush trees I stained for the Christmas little house making party.

We really appreciate your expertise. Your patterns are excellent (I'm going to try out qCAD) and then the gorgeous flatties and now this. Thank you.

Lucy

Lucy,

Comparing notes -

1. I’ve found 18ga galvanized wire necessary to have the strength to twist and separate the sisal without breaking too early.
2. More rope is needed to make a fuller tree. 2 segments of 1/4” sisal rope per 1” of tree seprarated and combed the same way. I’ve found running a comb through them as you stack them in helps. Also, I seem to lose an inch consistently. Layout the fiber about an inch larger than you want the tree.
3. Dip the trees in boiling water to straighten the fibers after you rough cut the shape.
4. And old hair brush for fluffing the trees after you boil and finish trimming.

Steven

Steve,
Just checking back in. You have accomplished a great deal just since you came onboard, and they're all high quality. VERY NICE.

- Paul

paulrace wrote:Steve,
Just checking back in. You have accomplished a great deal just since you came onboard, and they're all high quality. VERY NICE.

- Paul

Thank you Paul,

I've been enjoying this for sure.

Steven

A few things I'm currently working on:

More of Howard's flatties. Thank you for the patterns, Howard.

A house inspired by photos of a vintage piece on the web. 3 sections are built but not glued into one unit yet.

Steven

I love the curves scalloped front.

Is the house based on a vintage one.
Or is it your design.

Steve

PutzinVT wrote:I love the curves scalloped front.

Is the house based on a vintage one.
Or is it your design.

Steve

Steve -

It's based on a vintage design. I made the pattern from photos I clipped from the web. Not intended to be a reproduction though. I just liked the shape and hadn't yet tried anything with curves in the design.

Steven

Steve's, this is a real nice house, I love the curve section. You do phenomenal work!!

Some progress. I might have gone a little too heavy with the sand, but I'm happy with how it's turning out so far.

Steven...
The sand IS NOT TOO HEAVY!...it's perfect!...so is your photography...just curious...what camera or smartphone are you using?...(hope i haven't asked this before and forgotten)...
Howard...