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Making Palm Trees

Step Two: The Bark

Now is the time to cover the "trunk" with bark. It can be done in two ways. The first way is the same way as you create bark on the normal trees. I mean the plaster method. It is more work but in the end the result is the same. In this workshop we are going to use paper maché.

• At first make some thick wallpaper glue. Smear it on the trunk and cover it with the toilet paper.
  

• Two or three layers will do the trick.
  

• As finishing touch you smear a thin layer of wallpaper glue over the covered trunk. (see photos 2a and 2b)
  

• And set a side on a warm place (about 24 hours) till it is completely dry.

Step Three: The Leaves

This is the time to get started on the leaves. At a locale garden centre I bought (for €3) enough leaves to create 3 palm trees. The leaves I bought are a little bit to big for the palm tree I wanted to make. So I cut the outer edges away from the leaves so that the curves in the leaves will be on the outside. (See photo 3a)

• When you have done this you have to give you leaf the final form.
  

• With a sharp scissor you have to cut pointy edges on the leaves. Do this at both sides. (see photos 3b and 3c )
  Note: Leave the plastic centre where it is when you cut the leaves this will give you something to hold on to when you cut your leaves.
  

• When you finish you can simply remove these.
  

• When you are ready with the cutting procedure and you have removed the plastic centers, with superglue glue the green iron rods on the back of the leaves. Leave 1cm at the bottom of the leave so you can stick that in the tree trunk. (see photo 3d)