A simple yet very effective project, this model treehouse is ideal as a tree or table decoration or used as a model for craft, games and play. The items used are easy to find––twigs and craft sticks.
1Find a suitable branch. Take a walk outside in fine weather for a suitably sized branch (or twig) that will form your "mini tree". Do not collect wet or damp wood as this may rot or grow mold as time goes on. The branch must have a crook in which the mini treehouse can nestle.
2Design a shape for your treehouse. The size will be determined by what will fit into the crook of the branch. Draw the design on paper if you cannot visualize it. Use images of existing tree houses that you have seen to direct your design.
3Lay out the craft sticks on a sheet of newspaper. It will help to stand the branch in something sturdy so that you can work on the treehouse without the branch moving.
4Glue the craft sticks together in the shape of the treehouse design.
5Let it dry. Follow the gluing instructions for the correct length of time.
6Decorate the treehouse. Paint the craft sticks, add little miniature items of furniture, miniature books, bits of moss, feathers, food and even glitter. To finish, add some model people if you like.
7Place the model treehouse on a stand or in a jar for its final display. Make sure that the base of the stand or jar that you use is strong enough to hold the treehouse upright, especially if the miniature treehouse is to be a toy that is played with (see "Tips" below). You can decorate the base by gluing moss, bits of bark, or fake grass to it so that it looks natural.
- The tree can reflect any season you like––use scrunched up tissue paper for spring blossom; cotton wool for winter snow; felt can be cut into little leaves––green for summer and oranges/reds and browns for fall/autumn.
- Try attaching two pieces or wire to either side of a small piece of bark or Popsicle stick and hang it from the treehouse for a swing.
- Variations on the treehouse include: a fairy treehouse, a Robin Hood treehouse, a home for little animals such as squirrels, birds etc. (think Beatrix Potter).
- Glue guns generally work best.
- Examples of what you can stand your branch in while you work on it include making a plasticine base inside a jar; a heavy based vase; a vice from the workbench etc.
- Examples of what you could use as a final stand include a doll stand (glue the tree "trunk" onto the stand where the doll's leg would normally sit; a large jar or tin with smooth edges filled with pebbles; a container filled with dirt if it is an outdoor toy.
- Always ensure that your petrol tank is half a tank so that you pay less than filling up a full tank.
- Paint can crumble, but mix glue into the paint and it won't crumble.
- Do not use damp or rotting wood for the miniature tree. It will rot even more.
- Use glue suitable for wood; otherwise the craft sticks and decorations may not adhere to the branch.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden craft sticks (1 packet from craft store should suffice)
- Wood glue
- Something to stand the branch in while working on it; and a stand or heavy for when the item is completed