Throwing a tropical themed patio party can be difficult if you aren't lucky enough to inhabit the tropical climes of the Caribbean or Hawaii, but it needn't be impossible. A few easily created artificial palms placed incidentally around the patio area can make all the difference. The application for these simple decorations do not end here; a scaled down version using shorter bamboo poles can make the perfect addition to a child's bedroom, maybe in a pirate or treasure-island theme. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Using a masonry brush, paint a bamboo pole with the wood preserver to make it suitable for outdoor use.
2. At one end of the pole, which is shaped like an open-ended tube, make a mark on the rim with a pencil or marker. Make a second mark on the rim 2 inches from the first. Saw a 1 1/2 inch vertical groove starting at the first mark. Saw an identical groove starting at the second mark, creating a 2-inch wide tooth starting from the rim of the pole. This tooth is where the coconuts will be attached with string.
3. Place the unsawn end of the pole into a Christmas-tree stand and tighten the screws to hold the pole securely. Drill two holes in the tops of the coconuts and drain them of the coconut water inside. Thread the string through to connect them together. Securely tie the ends of the string to create a loop. Hook the loop of string over the tooth of the bamboo pole.
4. Place plastic palm fronds into the opening at the top of the bamboo pole, securing each one with wood glue. Arrange the palm fronds so that they cascade over the top of the bamboo pole and overlap, just like on a natural palm tree.
5. When the canopy of the tree is complete use a compass and marker to draw a 3-inch radius circle on flexible green plastic. Cut this shape out with the craft knife and then cut from the center to the edge in a straight line. Slightly overlap the two sides of the cut plastic to make the circle into a shallow cone, and secure with super glue. Glue the cone to the palm fronds at the top of the bamboo pole to form a cap that will prevent rainwater from getting to the wood glue securing the palm fronds.
Tags: bamboo pole, palm fronds, groove starting, second mark, with wood, wood glue