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HOW TO BUILD A MINIATURE TREE - Deciduous

These five simple steps will show you how to make miniature deciduous trees using Sweetwater Scenery's methods. Using these procedures, you can re-create realistic model trees of many types.
Supplies needed:
- Sweetwater Poly-Fiber
- Sweetwater Tree Branch Fibers
- Sweetwater Deciduous Armature
- AMSI Ground Foam
- Aqua Net Unscented Super Hold Hairspray
- Spray Adhesive
- Clear Enamel Spray Paint
- Scissors
STEP ONE - Placing Tree Branch Fibers
Use Sweetwater’s Tree Branch Fibers – The purpose of using Tree Branch Fibers is to generate volume and create a durable, easy to use base. Spray the top of the tree structure with Spray Adhesive, allow this to set up until tacky, around 30 seconds. Take a pinch of the tree branch fibers and dab them lightly onto the end of each individual branch. Fibers should be placed vertically on the top of the limb and extended horizontally from the end of the branch. Try to keep the fibers separated and avoid clumps. If more volume is needed, lightly spray the tree branch fibers with the Spray Adhesive and reapply more fibers.
STEP TWO - Using Sweetwater's Poly-Fiber
Use Sweetwater’s Poly-Fiber –
While holding the tree structure and a small handful of the Poly-Fiber in one hand, tease out the fibers super thin with your free hand. Place these teased out fibers horizontally over the top of the Tree Branch Fibers that are already place on the branches. The Poly-Fiber should extend from the trunk to beyond the end of the branch. It is extremely important to keep your teased Poly-Fiber ultra thin in order to get a light, airy tree.
STEP THREE - Additional Filling with Poly-Fiber
Additional tufts of Poly-Fiber should be placed on top of the horizontal layer of Poly-Fiber. This will help fill out the tree. Spray the fibers with Clear Spray Enamel. This stiffens the Poly-Fiber and conceals the Spray Adhesive. Allow to dry. Spray fibers generously with Aqua Net Unscented Super Hold hair spray. This is your “glue” to adhere the foam to the fiber.
STEP FOUR - Applying Ground Foam
Lightly sprinkle the desired color of ground foam on the underside and top of the fibers. Use just enough foam to conceal the fibers. We prefer a mixture of A.M.S.I. ground foam. Spray the foam lightly with Aqua Net Hairspray. Allow to dry. If the tree is not full enough, reapply more Poly-Fiber. When finished applying the additional Poly-Fiber, gently spray the tree with hair spray and if needed, sprinkle with a small amount of foam on thin spots. Allow to dry completely.
STEP FIVE - Final trimming
Trim wayward strands and create windows by cutting holes into the fibers. Carefully trim the tree in a horizontal fashion to give it detail. Spray with Clear Enamel to help set and stiffen the tree.
Copyright 2008

 
 
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