Unique Designs for Artificial Trees 3

A The tree described looks well on a table set for ten or more. Smaller or larger trees, for other purposes, can be made in the same way with cones of different dimen­sions. Basic materials of the lollipop tree and of some others mentioned can be kept from year to year. Store away both cones and moss.

It is interesting to devise variations on the basic idea with small pine and spruce cones, or cones in graduated sizes from large ones at the bottom to tiny fir and hemlock cones at the top. These are wired, as described before, and the wires thrust through the mesh into the moss. Cone trees are more formal than lollipop trees.

A circle of red Christmas balls around the bottom adds elegance. Small clusters of berries, such as firethorn (Pyracantha) may cover the tree completely, or other fruits may be wired and inserted among greens. The foundation of the tree is still wire mesh, but decorations vary.

The wooden tree takes more time but is well within the ability of an amateur carpenter. Finished, it stands 18 inches high, plus 4½ inches for the star. Side pieces of the triangle (as shown in Drawing 16, middle), are 1¾ inches wide, ¾ of an inch thick and 16 inches long. The bottom of the triangle is 2 inches wide, ¾ of an inch thick and 15 inches long. Corners are neatly mitred. The base of the tree is cut from a block of wood 3 inches thick, 3 inches high and 6 inches long. The triangular frame sits in this curved base, which adds grace to the tree. A simpler platform may be made by fastening a block to each side of the triangle, with another piece nailed on the bottom for the stand.

Thickness through the base allows space for a shallow container to hold water for the greens. A sardine can will do. A flower holder hidden by the can holds greens or decorations firmly in place. The entire tree should be given two coats of aluminum paint. Then it is decorated with greens, tiny red balls, red berries and bayberry.

Red candles are fastened to the sides on pieces of tin tacked to the frame. As explained above, holes are made in the tin with a nail before tacking, since a tack is not strong enough to pierce tin. A little adhesive tape is wrapped around the tin candle holders and the candles are fas­tened on with drops of melted wax.

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