Half and Half Copper and Twig Christmas tree

Simply lightly scratch out the outline of the shape.

Press the inside edge (where you add the opposite half) of the tree so that it lies flat on the surface.

Design note: I rather loved the outside edge to not be flat, to curve slightly so I left that as is.

For a bit of extra Christmas detail I added sticker stars to the edge of the design to protect the copper from the chemicals. Make sure to smooth the stars down. The effect is subtle if you use paper stars (like I did) I will show you in another design how to completely block out the chemicals to create patterns. But for this design I just wanted to hint at stars.

Design note: The more you smooth the stars flat the more of the chemicals will be blocked out. So work lightly if you just want a hint... or smooth some flat and some just lightly place, even over the edge in some places for a more natural look.

Mix the chemicals to patina the tree (see the Tutorial below)

And guide it with a wooden skewer in the direction you want treated.

Design note: seal the edges with painters tape to make sure it is tightly wrapped.

Meanwhile start to build up the matching twig half of the tree on the plastic that covers the copper.

Also make sure to glue the twigs to the other twigs and not to the plastic.

Carefully remove the glued twig half of the Christmas tree from the plastic.

To reveal the beautiful blue green patina.

Design note: If you want you can leave the paper stars on the copper and just continue the design. In time the salt will disappear leaving a vintage look on the silver stars as the paper cracks.

Leaving just the suggestion of a star on the copper surface.

pretty, right?

Sprinkle on some artificial snow to cover the twigs.

See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how to add artificial snow to twigs.

Connect the two twigs so that the twig Christmas tree is extra secure. The copper half is rather heavy so make sure the twigs are able to carry some weight.

Option one is to add a cardboard support to the back of the copper half of the tree if it needs more support

I like this option because it is fairly easy to make, will not scratch or damage the display surface and can be removed without damaging the tree. But you can also add in a twig support to match the other side or a copper support similar to the cardboard.

Fill the tube with water.

Because my designs are so delicate I like having a bit more control on how to fill the tubes with water so that I can reach deep into a structure and maneuver the pipe to pour the water just there... See the Tutorial below for detailed instructions on how I make my own pipette. And book readers turn to page 184 for a fun 2 litre version of this for when you need to fill quite a few water tubes. And I tell you how I came up with this idea.

For more information about my book: The Effortless Floral Craftsman

Simply introduce the vine to the copper and it will hook in place.

Which is brilliant to design with. But once the vines get tangled it can take hours to untangle. I have a fun tip for you on how I untangle these vines. I discovered this trick trying to untangle vines on a competition floor. I was amazed how quickly it works. It is all in this week's notification email. The signup is below this post.

Add Christmas stars to the twigs to mirror the copper stars.

Design note: If you find something that is supposed to be sticky is not as sticky as it was supposed to be double up. Place a star (or crystal or whatever) on the front and on the back of the twig to sandwich it. The accessory will no longer drop and stay perfectly in place.

... before placing the other ends over the twig to secure.