01-21-2009, 10:55 AM
I don't know exactly what it is, but it looks good! Savez-vous le nom en français?
In any case, you want to look to see if it has a suitable branching structure for the tree you'd like to model. You might need to combine a few (bind with floral tape) to get the "branchiness" you want. You can also add additional branches (but not trunks) by gluing on more "tops". I have found a hot glue pot works well for this. You may or may not want to remove the seedheads from the tips of the branches.
Paint and/or add any trunk detail you want - caulking, lightweight spackle, grout have all been suggested as good trunk texturing materials. I like the spackle best, since the lightweight stuff remains a little flexible. Paint with a dark grey or even black. Spray bomb or airbrush works well, or you can dip or even brush paint if you have patience...!
Then tease out a few small puffs of poly fibre (black is best) - one for each major section of the tree. If you try to go for one big puff, it will not look right. The resulting fibre should be very light and airy - you will not need a huge clump to start.
Hit the upper branches wih some spray glue or cheap hair spray. Spray the puff too, making sure to coat it from all angles - but not too much. If the glue beads on the fibre, that's too much! Drape the fibre puff in place and dump some ground foam on it, shaking off the excess. Repeat with other puffs until the whole tree is covered. Touch up as required.
That structure also looks like it would make good fall/winter and/or dead trees, if needed.
Good luck!
Andrew
In any case, you want to look to see if it has a suitable branching structure for the tree you'd like to model. You might need to combine a few (bind with floral tape) to get the "branchiness" you want. You can also add additional branches (but not trunks) by gluing on more "tops". I have found a hot glue pot works well for this. You may or may not want to remove the seedheads from the tips of the branches.
Paint and/or add any trunk detail you want - caulking, lightweight spackle, grout have all been suggested as good trunk texturing materials. I like the spackle best, since the lightweight stuff remains a little flexible. Paint with a dark grey or even black. Spray bomb or airbrush works well, or you can dip or even brush paint if you have patience...!
Then tease out a few small puffs of poly fibre (black is best) - one for each major section of the tree. If you try to go for one big puff, it will not look right. The resulting fibre should be very light and airy - you will not need a huge clump to start.
Hit the upper branches wih some spray glue or cheap hair spray. Spray the puff too, making sure to coat it from all angles - but not too much. If the glue beads on the fibre, that's too much! Drape the fibre puff in place and dump some ground foam on it, shaking off the excess. Repeat with other puffs until the whole tree is covered. Touch up as required.
That structure also looks like it would make good fall/winter and/or dead trees, if needed.
Good luck!
Andrew