ENCHANTED TREES
- Bakehouse Arts
- Apr 26, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: May 4, 2020
Step One: Make the Trunk
We hand modelled a trunk shape using clay but you could use playdough, flymo or even homemade playdough which is fun and easy to make – all you need is flour, salt and water. See how here.
Step two: Add the Branches
You could use wire, pipe cleaners or even real twigs. Push them down into the clay and make sure to use your fingers to seal the clay around them.
Step Three: Add Colour
Once the clay has hardened, paint the branches and trunk. We are using brushes but you could sponge your paint on, use your fingers or go wild and splatter it on! Be as bright and bold as you like.
Step Four: Attach the Leaves
We cut leaf shapes from tree rubbings* but you could paint your own or use coloured paper. You could write wishes onto your leaves before attaching – it is a magic tree after all!
*Here’s how we created the paper for our Enchanted Tree leaves. Once we had created a few pages of interesting rubbings we stapled some of the pages together and then cut through lots of layers for rapid leaf creation!
MORE IDEAS!
Rubbings
Taking rubbings from our natural and manmade world is easy and fun! You will be amazed at how many different patterns and textures are right on your doorstep. Look how French artist Max Ernst has created this fantastical creature collage using his rubbings. Try ripping or cutting your paper to create collages.
Thin paper works best and either pastel, crayon, charcoal or pencil. Make sure to use your pastel/pencil/charcoal on its side to glide over the surface of the texture.
Trees
Trees are often used in artworks as they symbolise life and growth. Look at this fantastic painting by Gustav Klimt… Its called 'The Tree of Life' and was painted in 1905.
Why not have a go at painting or drawing a tree like this with amazing spiral branches.
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