How to Make a Wire Tree Sculpture

A wire tree sculpture is an art project simple enough for the most artistically challenged. Tree sculptures are inexpensive to create, make great conversation pieces and can be as distinctive as their counterparts found in nature.

Things You'll Need

• 1 roll steel or copper wire
• Needlenose pliers
• Gloves
• Decorations, such as beads or charms

Instructions

1. Use needlenose pliers to cut a roll of wire into several pieces 10 inches long or less. You need enough wire to make the tree truck and its branches. Vary the length of the wire pieces.

2. Twist your wire pieces together to create the trunk. Leave a few inches of wire at the bottom so you can mount your sculpture to its base. The top several inches of the wire will create your branches, so leave enough wire to bend and twist the branches into interesting shapes.

3. Separate the wire above the trunk so you have a few large branches. Then split the wire again so you're working with three to five pieces that are wrapped together. Twist the smaller branches into various directions, then pull off individual wire pieces to create your smallest branches.

4. Work the branches into shape. Wear gardening gloves if you're using a heavy wire. Add any beads to the branches as you twist.

5. Split the wires beneath the trunk into "roots." The number of roots is up to you. Separate the roots so they are all going in different directions.

6. Wrap the roots around your base. Make sure there aren't any exposed sharp metal pieces that could scratch furniture.

7. Add any charms, colored foil or foliage to complete the presentation.