You can bunch up a few branches, tie them with thread, turn them for a spreading armature, and glue them into position. Then, paint them (gray works for most trees) and add leaf details.
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Biggest problem is the lack of truly different branching shapes. Birch and Maples are V shaped, oaks are T shaped. Oaks can't be created from tiny branches I've seen.
aug 22, 2025, 7:25 pm • 2 0 • view
I've used... damn, I don't actually know the english terminology... the wooden bit that's left from a bunch of grapes once you've eaten them... as armatures. There's a lot of variance in them, so you can get many different shaped trees. Plus less waste, and you get to eat tasty fruit too.
aug 23, 2025, 7:29 am • 4 0 • view
I've also tried branches from various plants we have around the house, but the grape parts are sturdier than anything else I've tried so far.
aug 23, 2025, 7:30 am • 3 0 • view
I've had the intention to try Japanese Holly (it resembles boxwood, but grows faster) I don't quite find the right branching, and the leaves are stubborn. But it's time to prune again, and maybe, just maybe, I can landscape outside and Inside at the same time!
aug 23, 2025, 10:28 am • 3 0 • view
Holly are a different beast🤭 I cut some pieces,wrapped tight around pvc to dry, then carved into tusks for a carved elephant. The wood stayed white… so far. But is prickly! Iv also used dried flower stalks etc. current example is to show foreground,trees other methods for background.
aug 23, 2025, 11:34 am • 2 0 • view
Oh, Holly (real holly) is hard as all heck.... Like rhododendron and hornbeam. And carving it is a whole other skill... Japanese holly is a common foundation plant that grows dense and rather low. From a distance they resemble azaleas (but they have no flowers)
aug 23, 2025, 6:14 pm • 0 0 • view
I tried Japanese Holly first since we have a “plentitude” and I could selectively lop and bend around pipe and hold with duct tape for several months to hold shape. We also have one large American Holly ladder needed to get what I needed. Still looks white and holds shape.
aug 23, 2025, 6:35 pm • 0 0 • view
So, the problem might be solved like the Rockefeller center Christmas tree... Take some branches off .. drill holes in the trunk where it needs branching, and plug the holes by relocating the trimmed bits.
aug 23, 2025, 6:42 pm • 0 0 • view
A solution probably better for HO and larger🤔🤔
aug 23, 2025, 6:50 pm • 0 0 • view
I’ve tried the bundles. The area I model and time the Mountain areas had been clear cut and this was mixed deciduous 40 feet or so new growth rhododendron etc undergrowth too. Paint wise a dark under coat and dry brush with a light gray for bark. Forest floor brown mostly hidden
aug 23, 2025, 11:49 am • 7 1 • view
I like the effect, and it confirms my basic color choices... Gray trunks, mixed greens for leaves. Add some darker shades on the shaded and under sides.
aug 23, 2025, 6:17 pm • 1 0 • view
Let me go ahead and point out how incredible that forest of trees there looks.👏
aug 23, 2025, 7:29 pm • 0 0 • view