How to make Wire trees

  1. Group 20 –22 gauge wire in 18-24-strand sections (1/4’-1/2") dia. and twist. (for N-Z scale use the finest wire you can find. Circuit board transformers from an old radio have fine copper wire) Tape one end and cut to 6"-11" lengths. (1"-3" for N-Z)

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  2. Separate untapped end into 2,3,or 4 groups 3-4 inches from base and twist to create the trunk and main branches

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  3. Separate each group into smaller groups and twist (repeat) and trim. It’s almost impossible to mess this up. You want them all to be a little different, and that’s easy to do. You can study real tree shapes in the winter, and in the summer see the leaves to determine the correct type (Oak, Poplar, Maple) and colors to match the type you want.                                        

 

 

 

 

 

4. Form into 3D tree shape and push into Styrofoam base

 

5. Apply liquid nails to the base of tree to form base and surface roots.

 You can also form knots and stumps on the tree sides to simulate missing branches, and loose bark.

 

  1. The next step is to dip each tree into gray latex paint, shake off excess paint and return to foam base. Repeat this step 2-3 times. You may need to remove some unwanted droplets on branches. This step covers the wire and fills in the gaps. You could skip this step but then you would need to use more spray paint to cover the wire in the next step.

  2. Spray the trees with alternating white, black, brown, red, gray, green to get desired look. Pick up twigs from the real trees you are trying to make they make a great color guide.

  3. Glue clumps of processed lichen to the painted trees with heat glue. This same process also works with plastic tree armatures.

  4. Cover the trunk and bottom of the main branches with news paper. Then spray liberally with a strong, mist spray adhesive. Immediately sprinkle with Mixed colors of Woodland scenics Course Turf. ( for smaller scale trees use Fine Turf) Place back in Styrofoam base and allow to dry overnight. This step also works for coloring natural materials, like sumack tips, sage brush, and many other wild plants. (You could also use this process to make pines from small bottle brushes with fine turf /conifer green)

  5. Spray liberally with Woodland Scenics-- Scenic Cement and allow to dry overnight

 

Light Green Wire trees

Bottle Brush Pines and Sumac

Trees from Sumac Tips

Trees from Sagebrush and Tumbleweed

Putting it all together