The Book Proof is HERE

Okay I received in the mail last night a copy of the book hard copy proof and not just the eproof. I'm a little disappointed and sent an email to the publisher about the print quality, so we shall see if they can fix the problems. I'm so ready for this book to be finished. I'll take some pictures this weekend and post them again.

Off to the gem and mineral club annual show. More to come.

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Getting Closer to Publication

I just finished reviewing the final proof of the book "Gem Tree Sculptures". I have my order in for additional copies and am hopeful that those will arrive by the end of May. Yea.

I know many of you that lurk and read these posts are wanting the book and some of you have e-mailed me separately, so when I do have copies available for sale, I will be sending you all an e-mail on where to purchase. I'll also be posting a notice on Twitter, my other blogs and Facebook, just in case you don't receive the initial offering e-mail.

Thanks everyone for being so patient.

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2 Leaf Gem Tree Instructions

I may be discontinuing one of my other crafting blogs and wanted to make sure I had these instructions out here for all you gem tree addicts. I wrote this a couple years ago and have included it in my new book with updated pictures and more complete instructions....sorry if you want those instructions you will have to buy the book.

Speaking of the book, I talked to my publisher on Friday and she indicated that it will be end of April, first week of May before I get to see it. I was hoping it would be this week.....oh well.

Back to the 2 Leaf tree. This is a simple design and one that displays charms really well. Build in the same manner as my mini tree only instead of 3 leaf branches you will have 2 leaf branches.

Basic Gem Tree Construction for a 2 Leaf Branch

This tree can be as big or small as you wish by continuing to make and add branches and limbs to the trunk.

Materials used:
Gemstones or beads with holes in the middle
24 guage craft wire in gold, silver, copper, or any other color complimentary to your stones.
527 Craft Glue
Wire cutters
Smooth Nose Pliers for helping to twist the wire on the trunk
Rock for the base of tree or a Dish (Terra Cotta Pot Saucer works well filled with sand)
Bowl to hold gemstones for sorting (helps so they don’t roll all over the place)
Rubberbands or Mini Clamps (clamps can be found at hardware or Sears stores)

Cut your craft wire to 36". String a stone or multiple stones if small on one wire, folding it in half with your stone(s) at the folded end. Hold the wire in between thumb and forefinger of one hand in the shape of a V and the stone in the other hand. Twist the stone 5 half twists for approximately ¼ inch. Be sure to keep the end (loose) wires separated and to hold your hands away from your face as the loose wires can poke you in the eye if you are not careful.
String your next stone on the longest wire approx. 1/2 inch away from the twisted center. Fold the wire in half with the stone at the folded end, holding the stone in one hand and the wires in the other hand at the center, twist the stone until the two twisted wires meet at the center. Finish off this branch by twisting the open wires approx. 5 to 10 half twists.

If you only want to learn this 2 leaf branch, then you can set this one aside and continue making branches. For a mini tree, you will need at least 16 of these.

Separate out all your branches into sets of 2. You should have 8 sets. Twist two branches together at the open wire end by stacking one on top of the other. Hold the stones in one hand, splay out the leg wires to create a V shape and with your other hand twist the wires at the bead end all together 5 to 10 half twists, to start your limb. Do not twist the wires up towards the beads but twist the loose wires together. Continue joining branches to make limbs until you have 8 sets that look like the 2nd picture in the bottom row of the diagram. Please remember to keep your end wires separated into leg like structures, otherwise they will tangle and not twist well.
To put your mini tree together, take 2 limbs as shown in the 2nd picture in the bottom row of the diagram and twist together 5 twists. Take another set of 2 limbs and twist together. Twist both double sets together at least 3 to 5 half twists to start your trunk set this aside. Twist your other four remaining limbs together the same way. For more depth make one limb longer by adding a few more twists at the bottom. Join these two together as shown below and twist your trunk. You may want to use your smooth pliers to get a nice tight twist. Twist down as tall as you want your tree to be.

Finish off your tree by dividing the loose end wires into three or four sets and twist to make roots 1 ½ to 2" long. Roughly place your tree, roots down onto your base, spreading the roots out enough to make the tree stable. (If placing on a rock, use the rubberbands to secure the roots prior to gluing.) Clip off excess wire with wire cutters. Place some glue on the roots and set in dish (or secure rubberband around the root onto the rock). Mini clamps work well also when gluing to rocks. Glue all roots using the same method. Allow at least 2 hours to dry before taking the clamps or rubberbands off. Clean up any glue messes with fingernail polish remover on a Q-tip. Arrange tree limbs and branches to your satisfaction and you’re done.

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What to Write

I'm in the planning stages of my next book. Yes, I know the first book isn't even out yet, but I thought I would start jotting down my ideas and writing brief instructions for the next book. I'm wondering whether to do a small book in color or to do another one the same size as the first. I definitely want the instructions to be more advanced and I already have a couple of instructions in mind. Here is what I have so far:

• Repeat instructions for the standard tree only one that is bigger and has an added support structure.
• Wrap the trunk of the tree.
• Design your own tree.
• Palm Tree with braided limbs and trunk.
• Bonsai Style Tree #2 - It's all in the shaping
• Accessories for the base of your tree: mushrooms, ferns, butterflies, flowers, pussy willows, etc.
• Weeping Willow - Tressie style

Okay, so this is more than just a couple of instructions, but if I'm correct, the people buying this book would already own the first book or they already know how to make a gem tree so the instructions would not have to include so many pictures and diagrams which take up a lot of room in the book.

I would love to hear your comments or ideas about what should be included in the book.

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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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Gem Tree Sculpture Book Update

For all of you who have e-mailed me wanting to get a copy, please be patient. The book is with the publisher for formatting. As soon as I get my proof copy I'll be sure to let you know. This book is laden with pictures and diagrams so hopefully they aren't having too much trouble with it.

If you are new to the Gem Tree world and want some basic instructions, I do have an earlier post from 2007 that you can search for here in my blog or e-mail me separately and I'll get something out to you.

My next goal is to get my "Dew Drop" tree completed for competition and a prototype palm completed. These two trees along with 3 trees from last year will be entered in Billings, Montana this summer at the American Federation of Mineral Societies show. It will be my final year of competition if I make "Masters". I'm going for it with my two new tree designs. Cross your fingers for me. Just as an FYI, the "Dew Drop" tree is called the "Down Under Tree" in my book, so those instructions will be provided in this first edition. I know what your thinking, she's going to do another book, well I'm thinking about a more advanced book for those who make gem trees and want additional ideas, like my palm tree. I'll post pics here when they are finished.

Cheers for now...

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Gem Trees

I just finished posting some of my competition gem trees for sale on my 1000 Markets site. Currently I have 4 of them posted, an Opal tree on Opal base, Peridot tree on Stilbite mineral base, Sugalite on a Fluorite base and a Lapis tree on a matrix base imbeded with Chalcopyrite crystals. I really hate to give them up but I already have so many trees and I'll be making more for my upcoming competition in Billings this Summer. The Lapis pictured here is my favorite one.
Enjoy the new site and let me know how you like it.

Thanks, Dana

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