At 4:10 regarding reflected signage: If you can have a sign that won't be seen on the real item, it can be made in reverse to read right in the mirror image adding to the illusion. For example, the sign at the end of the building in the example is seen only in the mirror as well as the word "OFFICE" above the door. The end sign "VANDERZANDEN", etc. and "OFFICE" could be lettered in reverse on the structure.
For the large tall timber trees I use the "Jack Work" method to make them. It uses a tapered dowel that has many small holes drilled into it. The holes are drilled at a spiral from top to bottom. The dowel is then stained brown with other accent colors applied to represent tree bark. Cut portions of preserved asparagus fern is then glued into the holes. The asparagus fern branches are tapered from large to small when applied going up the tree. To vary the color of the tree branches I have several different shades of rattle can green paint that I apply to each tree. Each tree takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Other trees are modified store bought trees that are either re-painted or have added ground foam texture applied to them. I preserve the live asparagus fern with 50% glycerin and 50% acetone overnight. A simple green dye such as Rit can be added to the preservation media to keep the green color in the asparagus fern.
Great video and tips!
Glad you liked it!
At 4:10 regarding reflected signage: If you can have a sign that won't be seen on the real item, it can be made in reverse to read right in the mirror image adding to the illusion. For example, the sign at the end of the building in the example is seen only in the mirror as well as the word "OFFICE" above the door. The end sign "VANDERZANDEN", etc. and "OFFICE" could be lettered in reverse on the structure.
Good point! Thanks!
Who or how do you make your trees
For the large tall timber trees I use the "Jack Work" method to make them. It uses a tapered dowel that has many small holes drilled into it. The holes are drilled at a spiral from top to bottom. The dowel is then stained brown with other accent colors applied to represent tree bark. Cut portions of preserved asparagus fern is then glued into the holes. The asparagus fern branches are tapered from large to small when applied going up the tree. To vary the color of the tree branches I have several different shades of rattle can green paint that I apply to each tree. Each tree takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Other trees are modified store bought trees that are either re-painted or have added ground foam texture applied to them. I preserve the live asparagus fern with 50% glycerin and 50% acetone overnight. A simple green dye such as Rit can be added to the preservation media to keep the green color in the asparagus fern.