Take inspiration from pictures to decide the size and shape of your tree.
Whether you are throwing a backyard luau with artificial flower leis and tiki torches, or putting together a "Survivor"-type game show for a corporate event, fake palm trees are a fitting addition to the decor. By making the trees yourself, you can be sure that the trees are the right size for your space. Create three or four trees of different heights to create an oasis, or build two trees of the same size to flank the entrance to your party. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Collect cardboard tubes from inside rolls of carpet from your local carpet store. Most tubes are about 12 feet long. Cut the tubes to the height you need for your trees.
2. Cut two pieces of plywood into 2-foot lengths. The wood should be 2 inches in width and 1 inch in height. Nail the two boards together at the center to form and "X." Cut two notches into the base of the cardboard tube so it will fit tightly on the base.
3. Cut the bottoms out of brown paper bags and slide them down the tube, scrunching each one tightly into the one before it. This will give your trunk the layered look of a palm tree. Spray the bags lightly with water to soften them up once they are in place.
4. Draw several palm frond with long stems on large green construction paper, varying the sizes and shapes of your fronds to make them look realistic. Pin the fronds into the foam with T-type stick pins, positioning them so that they look natural.
5. Fill in around the leaves with dried moss to hide the florist foam. Hot glue several fake coconuts together and use florist wire to attach them to the tree.
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