Unique Designs for Artificial Trees 7

Branches of huckleberry or the twiggy growth of the pepperidge tree (Nyssa sylvatica) can be arranged effectively in plaster. Tie the branches at the bottom with white string; colored string is likely to run in the plaster. Insert the branches and hold in place until the plaster sets. The branches may be whitened with a casein paint or with home-made snow (Chapter 5). This decoration looks well against a tilt-top table or other dark background.

The gumdrop tree is always popular, particularly with children, though I have never demonstrated it to adults who did not find it enchanting. This tree requires the branches of some thorny wood, such as hawthorn. Small gumdrops, more or less round, and slender spice drops are impaled on the thorns. As with huckleberry or pepperidge branches, the twigs are set in a plaster base and painted white with casein or quick-drying enamel. A glitter of snow on the wet paint adds a delicate sparkle. Candies are added when the paint is dry. Care should be taken in grouping the twigs to insure even distribution of thorns. On these depends the spacing of the candies. (Drawing 24)

A variation is the tree decorated with cranberries. These are effective on whitened branches with a few twigs of yew among them. First-size, quality berries should be selected. A coat of shellac will increase their luster and help preserve and hold them. (Drawing 21)

The confetti tree can be built of any branches, set in plaster and covered with white paint, glue or shellac. Confetti is then poured on. If it sticks unevenly, bad spots can be touched up. Miniatures of this tree are suitable for favors which children enjoy making.

Painted branches can be used in many ways. Tiny balls, bells, gummed paper stars and small bunches of cello­phane straws can be fastened to them. The straws are most effective if their ends are cut on a slant to taper them. The ends may be dabbed with white paint and sprinkled with silver glitter, or wired artificial holly berries may be inserted in the end of each straw. A bend in the wire holds them in place.

Any thick branches of trees or shrubs can be made decorative by these methods. Good effects are possible with sumac (Rhus), the corky twigs of euonymus (Euonymus alatus) or sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua). Fasten them in a base, then swish them around in a thick mix­ture of clothes starch, sprinkle with artificial snow and allow to dry. A needle-point holder will serve as base. Artificial leaves or flowers can be added.

There are endless possibilities in this field of decora­tion. Artificial trees can be made for any color scheme or space. They are fascinating to contrive when the simple tricks of the trade are mastered.

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