The spooky tree starts out as a understructure of plywood, 2X2s, 2x4s and coathanger wire. Cut out the basic shapes of the tree from a sheet of plywood (see illustration below). Frame the tree structure with 2X2s and 2X4s. Cover the frame with chickenwire and staple into place. Cover the chickenwire and other wires with cloth dipped in waterproof glue sizing(glue sizing; a mixture of PVA glue with water 75/25%. For more information on this technique, your local library should have some books on theatrical set construction). The bark is created by using burlap dipped in the glue sizing and wrinkled onto the cloth base. Color to suit.Illustration of tree frame

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