John Van Domelen
Retired Forum Admin
Wanted to share a quick How to post on the Holiday Tree I made ornaments for.
We wanted another little live tree for the yard and can't have glass ornaments on the tree (they become dangerous cat toys)
This one is a little Mondell Pine Pinus eldarica
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You will need little 1/2 inch square or so scraps of a light weight wood (I used box elder and Redheart). Cut into 2-4 inch lengths.
Before turning drill a hole in one end about 3/8 inch from the end all the way through to provide the means to hang it later. (see pic)
Paints - metallic, pearlescents, Interference or other shiny paint that can emulate glass, brushes and water to clean them. (see pic)
Little jewelers reams or a needle will aid in getting out paint if it gets in the holes. (see pic)
Turn little finial / drop shapes with your preferred tools , a quick hit of 400 grit at high speed will clean them up pretty quick. (see pic)
I cleaned up the ends on a belt-sander and then painted them.
The Redheart makes an especially nice base for metallic gold - acting like the red coating used under gilding.
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This would be a great way to decorate even a larger tree with the kids / grand kids / spouse painting the ornaments.
It's 'green', resourceful and cheap
Happy Holidays
-- John
We wanted another little live tree for the yard and can't have glass ornaments on the tree (they become dangerous cat toys)
This one is a little Mondell Pine Pinus eldarica
-----------------------------------------------
You will need little 1/2 inch square or so scraps of a light weight wood (I used box elder and Redheart). Cut into 2-4 inch lengths.
Before turning drill a hole in one end about 3/8 inch from the end all the way through to provide the means to hang it later. (see pic)
Paints - metallic, pearlescents, Interference or other shiny paint that can emulate glass, brushes and water to clean them. (see pic)
Little jewelers reams or a needle will aid in getting out paint if it gets in the holes. (see pic)
Turn little finial / drop shapes with your preferred tools , a quick hit of 400 grit at high speed will clean them up pretty quick. (see pic)
I cleaned up the ends on a belt-sander and then painted them.
The Redheart makes an especially nice base for metallic gold - acting like the red coating used under gilding.
-----------------------------------------------
This would be a great way to decorate even a larger tree with the kids / grand kids / spouse painting the ornaments.
It's 'green', resourceful and cheap
Happy Holidays
-- John
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