Making trees for a forest

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Karen Baker 1 day ago

My colleague did a few for a production (Midsummer--I think?) I remember the large one having a "mashy" conical base of chicken wire on a lumber stand that encased the cardboard tube. Then chicken wire went around the tube, to be mashed into dents and some ridges. All got covered with paper mache. For the paper mache, she used paper bags and brown rolls of paper towel torn into rough chunks. I remember them twisting a long strip of the paper towel and winding it around the trunk to look like a vine....they used grey, black, brown, tan dry brushing in the crevices to create the wrinkles-don't think they even did a base coat--not sure.

The article below is the closest I could find to give any directions that would help.

http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/papermachepapi_swtg.htm

Sorry I don't know more since I wasn't really working on the show, just passing thru when they were working from time to time. If this is for a permanent set in a show done onstage, I'd suggest doing the leaves out of jagged torn strips of fabric hung from a cluster of wires (or ball of chicken wire?) that is hung from a batten. Then you could connect your tree trunks to the batten to hold them up without fear of them falling due to being top heavy.

With this idea, each tree might be unique a slightly different due to that group's creativity. Not sure if this is the look you need for your show....

You might also comment on the script or style of the show as well as your space and budget so other folks who answer will know more of what to suggest.

I know the kids love messing in papier mache--the brown bags and towels are free or cheap. Just take your ibuprofin, turn on their music as they work, and stop them in plenty of time for them to clean up their own mess BEFORE they get to leave! ;-)

• ▶ Reply