1. Using a pencil (and ruler or other tools as desired), draw out a tree pattern of the desired shape and size; make sure the tree has a flat edge along the bottom so that it will stand upright on its own. When the outline for your tree is complete, carefully cut it out along the edges. 2. On a 24-inch square of birch plywood, lay out your pattern along one side of the square and and trace its outline onto the wood. Then, lay the pattern upside-down along the opposite side of the square (this allows a duplicate to fit nicely on a single square) and trace a second tree.
3. On one of the patterns, mark a vertical slot down the middle of the tree, beginning at the top and cutting about halfway to the center. On the other tree, cut another vertical slot down the middle, this one running from the bottom to the center. (The total length of the two slots should equal the tree height.)
4. Cut out the slot on each pattern using a table saw, making sure each slot is the same width as the thickness of the wood to allow the pieces to fit together.
5. Cut out each pattern using a jigsaw.
6. Once the cutouts are ready, use a permanent marker in a dark shade (preferably brown) to draw a line down the center of each piece to indicate the trunk, then add simple curved lines to indicate limbs in the center of the individual tree boughs. Don't forget to add details on both front and back since the tree will be viewed from all sides!
7. Apply two colors of green stain to the front and back of the trees using natural sponges. Dip the sponge into the first shade of stain, then blot it lightly on a rag to keep the liquid from dripping or running. Dab the sponge lightly over the surface, and continue applying the stain in this manner until the tree is at least half covered. Then, switch to the second shade of green and repeat the process to fill in any spaces and add dimensional layering over the first shade. To ensure a uniform appearance, apply the stains to the edges as well as the fronts and backs.
Note: Paint may be used instead of stain, but unless it's diluted to a very thin consistency, it will hide the drawn-on details as well as the grain of the wood.
8. After the coats of stain have dried completely on each side, fit the pieces together and add decorations as desired: strings of beads draped over the branches, mini pom-poms attached to the branch tips with a hot glue gun, or whatever other accents you choose.
Tip: Small holes may be drilled in the tips of each branch to allow for the insertion of ornaments that can't be attached effectively with glue.
