To begin, here is a pic and list of materials for the handcarved trees. It is the same with the barked trees, the only difference is adding the bark. I will get into that later.
First, let's do a handcarved, background tree.
List of Materials and tools:
1. Square balsa sticks. I use sizes 1/2 to 1"
2. Western Sage Brush. This is used to make the primary branching. I also use sagebrush bark for the foreground trees. This is not shown in the list or pic. I live in Washington state, so I can make a trip to the countryside and gather all I want.
3. Sisal rope, cut into 1/4 to 3/4 inch lengths. Then separate the fibers.
4. Flocking of various shades of green, mixed together. A very will know scenery supply company on the internet, makes pre-mixed dark and light forest floor debri blends. I use these, sifting out all the flocking and other small things. This stuff comes with little brown flakes of something, that look like pinecones on the finished trees. Major bonus!
5. Yellow green, finely ground foam. From the same company as the flocking. This depicts moss growing on the side of the tree.
6. 1/4 inch dowel rod. This will be used to mount the trees to the layout.
7. Super 77 spray adhesive
8. Cheap super hold hair spray
9. Brown and/or black india ink and alcohol washes.
10. White glue
11. Assorted tools: hobby knife, tweezers, clamp tweezers, razor saw, large kitchen sifter, small phillips screwdrivers or drill bits.
Balsa is very fragile. When working with it, give it good support. Do not try to work with a lot hanging out in the air. It will break. If it does, all is not lost. Merely leave the ragged ends as they are, put some white glue on one end and stick them back together exactly as they broke.
No insult here, this info is for those not experienced.
The first step is to cut your balsa stick to the length you want the tree to be in height.
Begin carving it down to a tapered rod. Don't be to concerned about perfection here. It all works out in the end. Remember: Imperfection can be perfect. Or does it go: perfection can be imperfection?
Short tree!
Next, run your hobby knife, held at a very shallow angle, down the trunk in short strokes. Do this using the side of the cutting blade. Score with only enough pressure to leave nice lines in the trunk. Do not forget to support the wood as you go.
Using your razor saw, scribe the trunk. No more pressure than needed to leave marks in the trunk. Use short strokes. Do not worry about any fuzz that might be left behind. Just leave it.
With your small screwdriver or bit, make a 1/4 inch hole in the base of the trunk. Cut a 1 3/4 inch length of dowel rod. Sharpen one end and with a dab of white glue, insert into hole.
Color the trunk of your tree with your favorite shade of ink and alcohol mix. I use a brown and a black mix. Sometimes one or the other.
Once this has dried. This next step is a matter of preference. Personally, I really like the effect.
Spray only one side of the trunk with super adhesive. Let it set for about 20 sec., then sprinkle the yellow, green ground foam up and down the trunk. Set aside and let dry.
Do not worry about the brightness of the simulated moss. That can be toned down with I/A mix. Again, you are the master of your own domain.
At this point, it has taken me 15 mins. to make the one trunk. Not too bad.
Next, I will start with the primary branching.
Dave HWCRR
Seattle
