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A Woodturners Holiday Tree

John Van Domelen

Retired Forum Admin
Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
340
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Location
Houston, TX
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
 

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Finished Tree

Here is how it looked when completed. The beads and top thing are from Mardi Gras. 🙂
 

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