SHAPING PVC ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREES
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- The artificial Christmas tree you buy will usually come in three sections.
- You can identify the section that goes directly into the tree stand because the end of the pole is usually crimped, almost to a point. The next or middle section is usually the next biggest section, and the last section is the top, it can look like a small tree. The branches of the tree will usually be tied together when you open the box. The best way to shape the tree is to let down one row of branches at a time, tie the rest back up and shape the branches you let down. You will want to set up, shape, and plug in the lights of each section of the tree separately.
- You can identify the section that goes directly into the tree stand because the end of the pole is usually crimped, almost to a point. The next or middle section is usually the next biggest section, and the last section is the top, it can look like a small tree. The branches of the tree will usually be tied together when you open the box. The best way to shape the tree is to let down one row of branches at a time, tie the rest back up and shape the branches you let down. You will want to set up, shape, and plug in the lights of each section of the tree separately.
- Starting Step # 1.
- This shaping guide is for Poly Vinyl Chloride or PVC artificial Christmas trees. Place the first large bottom section of tree branches into the tree stand. Start on the bottom row of branches and gently pull down the bottom row of branches only. Tie the remaining upper rows of tree branches up in the closed position with a piece of rope or bungee cord.
Note: The rope or bungee cord is probably not provided with your tree. Complete one row at a time so you will not miss any of the branches.
- This shaping guide is for Poly Vinyl Chloride or PVC artificial Christmas trees. Place the first large bottom section of tree branches into the tree stand. Start on the bottom row of branches and gently pull down the bottom row of branches only. Tie the remaining upper rows of tree branches up in the closed position with a piece of rope or bungee cord.
- Step # 2.
Pick one of the bottom branches and find the short attached branches closest to the trunk of the tree. As shown in the picture to the left, pull out the short branches angling them towards you.
Now bend these small branches so that they will have a gentle curve in them as shown to the left. Remember to create a gentle curve, not a square bend.
- Step # 3.
Now push your two gently curved branches in an upward and outward direction as shown in the picture to the left.
- Step # 4.
Find the next set of tree branches and repeat step # 2.
Now push these two curved branches in an downwards and outwards direction as shown in the photo to the left.
Repeat steps # 2 through # 4 working your way out to the tip of the branch using the upward and outward shaping method used in steps # 3. Then use the downward and outward shaping method in step # 4.
As you move out towards the tip of the tree branch try to vary the distances of your upward and downward bends. Try not to create any straight lines with the small branches as you move outwards. Remember that you want a full and dense tree.
Hint: If you have a section of three small branches instead of two, place the third small branch in an upper center position. With four small branch sections, you will put two branches going upward and two branches going downwards.
If there is a bare wire or an unsightly tip on the end of your main branch, take one of the small end branches and wrap it tightly around the main branch ends hiding the unsightly tip.
- Step # 5.
- Work row by row working your way up to the tree section. After completing a section, add the next tree section. Continue up to the small tree at the top. The top section will be shaped differently.
- Work row by row working your way up to the tree section. After completing a section, add the next tree section. Continue up to the small tree at the top. The top section will be shaped differently.
- Shaping the top section of the tree.
- Step # 6.
- Start with the bottom row of branches on the tree top section. Shape these branches in the same manor used in step # 2 thru #4.
Towards the top of the tree section you will find single branches extending from the tree trunk. Bend these branches in a gentle curve as shown in step #2. Take the gently curved branch and bend it downward in a low deep dip. Repeat this step until you reached the top row of tree.
- Start with the bottom row of branches on the tree top section. Shape these branches in the same manor used in step # 2 thru #4.
- Step # 7.
At the very top of this tree section you will find a single tree branch (usually is much longer).
This single branch is bent straight up into the air. See picture to the left.
- Step # 8.
- To finish shaping the tree top hold the top long straight branch with one hand. With your other hand start pulling the top row of gently bent branches upwards gently by their tip, until the branch tip is about two to three inches away from the top long branch. Usually there are only 3 or 4 branches in these top rows. Work your way around the tree spacing each branch equally apart.
Now start pulling the second row of branches upwards gently by their tips and placing these branches between the first, top row of branches. Continue downward tell you are finished with the single branches, making the tree top look full with no holes or gaps.
- To finish shaping the tree top hold the top long straight branch with one hand. With your other hand start pulling the top row of gently bent branches upwards gently by their tip, until the branch tip is about two to three inches away from the top long branch. Usually there are only 3 or 4 branches in these top rows. Work your way around the tree spacing each branch equally apart.
- Step # 9.
- When you are finished put the tree top in the tree trunk pole. Where the sections meet, make sure the branches blend together. If they do not blend together use the techniques you have learned and blend the sections together naturally.