No news is good news

Since I haven't heard from my publisher then I would assume that no news is good news and they are progressing on the formatting of my book. I could be wrong but lets hope not as April 22nd is the date I'm hoping for a proof copy and that is fast approaching.

I only have a couple of gem tree workshops scheduled for this Summer in Billings, Montana, but I can always get another group together with just a few participants. My husband and I will be demonstrating at several shows this summer, but only in Billings will we have a complete workshop with participants taking home a tree and the book.

The book will be available from the publishers web site and I'll post that info when I get it as well as any other web site that will be selling my book.

I have received several e-mails from folks using my tutorial that have had great luck and lots of compliments on their finished trees. I want to thank them for their e-mails as it has been a driving force for me to get this book out and gives me an idea of how many people there really are out that interested in making a gem tree.

My husband is already planning that I'll be writing a follow up book and I just might. I do have an idea for a smaller book with loads of color photos vs. the B&W version that would only feature a couple of trees vs. eight. But for now, I'm in a holding pattern and not wanting to start something else until this one is finished. I'll still dream in my head and maybe one of these days start writing it all down on paper.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Dana

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Building a Bigger Gem Tree

In my previous blog we made a 3 leaf tree, in this segment I will instruct on how to extend that to 5 leaf tree.

As in the previous post constuct your 3 leaf branch, but instead of finishing it off with the 10 twists, only twist down 5 half twists and add another stone. Connect this to the branch the same way you did stone number 2, making sure that your twists meet at the center. Add your 5th stone and once all twists have been completed finish off this branch by twisting 10 twists. Set this aside and continue making 5 leaf branches until you have the desired number.

The limb structure that I prefer uses 3 3 leaf branches and 6 5 leaf branches. Remember to make branches in sets of 3. To put this together, twist the 3 3 leaf branches together about 5 twists or 1/2 inch, add 3 of the 5 leaf branches by putting 2 on one side of the set of 3 leaf and 1 on the other, twist this together to hold and down about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. The longer you twist down the wider or taller your tree will become. Finally, add your remaining 3 branches with 2 on one side and 1 on the other. To finish this limb, twist down at least 1 inch. When adding this to the trunk you may want to add more twists.

Make 4 or 5 of these complete limbs before attempting to put together your trunk.

To make your trunk, take two completed limbs and twist together approximately 5 twists or 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. The number of twists is totally up to you and will determine how dense and tall the tree is. To make the tree more condensed, then only twist enough to hold all the limbs together on the trunk before adding another set. Continue down the trunk adding limbs. Limbs can be added individually or two together depending upon your design.

After all the limbs have been added and you have twisted down far enough for the height of the tree to be how you like it (please insure that you did not twist down too far or your tree will become unstable and fall over), you can now divide up the remaining wires and twist into your roots. I usually make at least 3 to 4 roots for it to be stable on the rock. Trim your excess wires and form the roots onto the rock or dish. Glue the underside of the roots to the rock or dish and secure with rubberbands or mini clamps. Let dry for approximately 1 to 2 hours before taking off the bands. Reglue any roots that need to be and secure again. Let dry for another 1 hour before removing any bands or clamps. Arrange your limbs and branches in a pleasing manner or in the design you choose. Enjoy your tree.

If you have never made a gem tree before, I highly recommend making a 3 leaf tree prior to moving to the larger version of the 5 leaf to get a feel of how the tree is made.

If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please feel free to contact me. I do offer classes if you live in the Western Washington area. Thanks for stopping by, Dana

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