New method for making trees

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What do you think of the trees in the photo?

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  • That's a tree?

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Just figured out a better way of making them (thinner and overlapping rather than thick and in a a single row). Now that I look back on my previous attempt, I don't dig it either. I'll post a photo of the result of the modified method once I finish a sample.
 


Maybe ok for far background trees but I don't think they'd stand up to close scrutiny. But I don't model evergreens at all (yet) so take it with a grain of salt.
 
Sorry, but there is no way I would put that on a layout. Generally speaking, if it looks like a tree from 3 feet away, it passes. I don't think these would pass from 10 feet away.

I make my own trees, but I use the bloom stems from many plants in the yard and countryside. If you look at some bushes around, you can see the trunk and branches in a cluster type bloom that will make a perfect armature for the tree. Trim up and add clump foam foliage with tacky glue to these branches. Oakleaf Hydrangea and Crape Myrtle are two types of bushes. The Wild Oakleaf Hydrangea is mostly in the SouthEast U.S., but I believe there is a hybrid in other parts. Again: Sorry, but you asked. ;)
 
To be honest, it looks like a triangular piece of playdoh that someone took scissors to for about ten seconds. It needs more texture IMHO.
 
Well, it's not playdoh, but you're close: the "trees" are made from an old swimming pool noodle. Looks like I have some more modifications to my design to make. Oh well, Edison didn't get the lightbulb right on his first try either.:D

Thanks for the feedback all. Good to know I won't be scenicking my layout with a bunch of fakey trees.:D
 
The Butterfly Bush as a source

Also - the Butterfly Bush flower can be used ... for example:


DSC03410.jpg


shows some ..
 
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Are you saying background trees shouldn't look like trees? To use these as background trees, they could be cut flat on the part that is against the backdrop. Just my opinion. DJ.
 
Thats right, I remember that now. I read through that thread months ago when I first found this place. Didnt even make the connection until now.
 
If I could, I would make all of my trees from bottle brushes, but since the cheapest I can get them is a dollar a brush (dollar store), I would be severely limited by both funds and store supply. However, I tried making the "noodle trees" thinner, and I painted them black instead of green. This way, they lend more of an impression of shillouetes of trees rather than actual trees. I think it'll look okay once I put some more realistic trees in front of them.
 
How did you make those trees? I'm sure there are ways to improve them but for now I would keep working on those trees and you'll find your trees look much more real with a little time and don't forget to really look at the trees Mother Nature has made.
Dave
 
railBuilderDhd said:
How did you make those trees? I'm sure there are ways to improve them but for now I would keep working on those trees and you'll find your trees look much more real with a little time and don't forget to really look at the trees Mother Nature has made.
Dave
Click to expand...

I believe he made them by cutting pool noodles, based on what has been said.

Actually, here's an idea. Lather some glue on those, then roll them in Noch mini-leaves or something of the sort. That actually might not look too bad.
 


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