Mini Trees - Revision history

M00dawg: Removed veggie cage reference (no longer manufactured)

2015-12-24T16:08:16Z

Removed veggie cage reference (no longer manufactured)

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:08, 24 December 2015
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	7. Wire cutters<br />		7. Wire cutters<br />
	8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />		8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />

	While this how-to covers using tomato cages, there are other cages/frames that can be used, such as a Veggie Cage (such as [http://www.biconet.com/tools/veggieCage.html these]). They can be especially helpful if you want to make a spiral mini-tree.

	==Assembly==		==Assembly==

M00dawg: Added link to a spiral veggie cage.

2015-12-24T15:40:21Z

Added link to a spiral veggie cage.

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:40, 24 December 2015
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	7. Wire cutters<br />		7. Wire cutters<br />
	8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />		8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />

			While this how-to covers using tomato cages, there are other cages/frames that can be used, such as a Veggie Cage (such as [http://www.biconet.com/tools/veggieCage.html these]). They can be especially helpful if you want to make a spiral mini-tree.

	==Assembly==		==Assembly==

Ravinglunatic: /* Final Remarks */

2011-01-29T02:03:40Z

Final Remarks

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:03, 29 January 2011
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			[[Category:Display Items]]
			[[Category:DIYC Index]]

Matt: added section headers

2007-07-11T01:37:11Z

added section headers

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:37, 11 July 2007
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			==What is a Mini Tree?==

	'''Q.''' What is a Mini Tree?		'''Q.''' What is a Mini Tree?

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			==Making a Mini Tree==
	'''Q.''' How do you make a Mini Tree?		'''Q.''' How do you make a Mini Tree?

	'''A.''' There are several ways to make a Mini Tree. The Frame of the Mini Tree can be made from tomato plant support cages, floral easels, metal rods or even wire mesh. The choice of material is only limited to your imagination. There is no right or wrong way to make a Mini Tree. In this article we will utilize the tomato cage version of the Mini Tree.		'''A.''' There are several ways to make a Mini Tree. The Frame of the Mini Tree can be made from tomato plant support cages, floral easels, metal rods or even wire mesh. The choice of material is only limited to your imagination. There is no right or wrong way to make a Mini Tree. In this article we will utilize the tomato cage version of the Mini Tree.

	~~----~~		==Materials==

	In this tutorial we will be using the Tomato cage method.		In this tutorial we will be using the Tomato cage method.
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	8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />		8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />

			==Assembly==
	'''Lets start building!'''		'''Lets start building!'''
	First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.		First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.
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			==Final Remarks==
	Good Luck and Merry Christmas!		Good Luck and Merry Christmas!


	~~edit:~~ If anyone has any suggestions or other ideas for this How To and would like to post them in the article I would ask that you leave the original article ~~in tact~~ as it is now and add the new additions/suggestions below this line.		If anyone has any suggestions or other ideas for this How To and would like to post them in the article, I would ask that you leave the original article intact as it is now and add the new additions/suggestions below this line. You may also add comments to the discussion page.

	----		----

Matt: line breaks in materials list

2007-07-11T01:34:56Z

line breaks in materials list

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:34, 11 July 2007
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	In this tutorial we will be using the Tomato cage method.		In this tutorial we will be using the Tomato cage method.
	Gather your materials, supplies and tools.		Gather your materials, supplies and tools.
	1. Two tomato cages per Mini Tree.		1. Two tomato cages per Mini Tree.<br />
	2. 1 set of 100 mini lights.		2. 1 set of 100 mini lights.<br />
	3. 1 set of 50 mini lights.		3. 1 set of 50 mini lights.<br />
	4. Sharpie marker.		4. Sharpie marker.<br />
	5. Black electrical tape.		5. Black electrical tape.<br />
	6. about 80 black 4" zipties		6. about 80 black 4" zipties<br />
	7. Wire cutters		7. Wire cutters<br />
	8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw		8. Bolt cutters or hacksaw<br />

	'''Lets start building!'''		'''Lets start building!'''

Macrosill at 12:01, 10 July 2007

2007-07-10T12:01:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 10 July 2007
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	Good Luck and Merry Christmas!		Good Luck and Merry Christmas!


			edit: If anyone has any suggestions or other ideas for this How To and would like to post them in the article I would ask that you leave the original article in tact as it is now and add the new additions/suggestions below this line.

			----

Macrosill at 21:35, 8 July 2007

2007-07-08T21:35:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:35, 8 July 2007
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	'''Q.''' What is a Mini Tree?		'''Q.''' What is a Mini Tree?

	'''A.''' A Mini Tree is a small tree usually no more than 3 or 4 feet in height. Some Mini trees are as short as 18 inches. They are usually round or triangular in shape, like a short pyramid or upside down cone wrapped with Christmas lights.		'''A.''' A Mini Tree is a small tree usually no more than 3 or 4 feet in height. Some Mini trees are as short as 18 inches. They are usually round or triangular in shape, like a short pyramid or upside down cone wrapped with Christmas lights. Below is a group of 24 inch Mini Trees.


	~~insert picture here~~		[[Image:minitrees.jpg]]

Macrosill at 21:31, 8 July 2007

2007-07-08T21:31:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:31, 8 July 2007
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	I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.		I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:cut_cage.jpg]][[Image:cage_ring_cut.jpg]]

	Now you need to decide the height of the tree. If you want a 24" tree mark the vertical supports at 24" and 26". Make a small bend at the 24" mark so when the supports are pulled together them will line up nice and straight.		Now you need to decide the height of the tree. If you want a 24" tree mark the vertical supports at 22" and 24". Make a small bend at the 24" mark so when the supports are pulled together them will line up nice and straight.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:cage_22_24_mark.jpg]][[Image:cage_bent.jpg]]
			[[Image:cage_bent_2.jpg]]

	Now cut them with the bolt cutters at the 26" mark.		Now cut them with the bolt cutters at the 26" mark.

	~~picture~~

	Now stack the cage with only the lowest ring on top of the cage with 2 rings.		Now stack the cage with only the lowest ring on top of the cage with 2 rings.

	~~picture~~

	Use 2 zipties to hold the 6 vertical supports together at the top 2 inches.		Use 2 zipties to hold the 6 vertical supports together at the top 2 inches.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:cage_ziptie.jpg]]

	Use the black electrical tape to wrap the 2" vertical section of the supports to cover the zipties, give extra strength and round over the sharp top edges.		Use the black electrical tape to wrap the 2" vertical section of the supports to cover the zipties, give extra strength and round over the sharp top edges.

	~~picture~~

	Now return your attention to the middle ring. In my case I had to form the rings into smaller diameter circles to get the look of the tree just right. Use more zipties to secure each of the rings into the proper diameter to meet the look you are after.		Now return your attention to the middle ring. In my case I had to form the rings into smaller diameter circles to get the look of the tree just right. Use more zipties to secure each of the rings into the proper diameter to meet the look you are after.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:cage_frame.jpg]][[Image:cage_ring_ziptie.jpg]]

	Now once the tree is in a nice overall form you are read to start on the lights. I made a mark with the Sharpie every inch going up 3 of the 6 vertical supports. I started wrapping the lights from the bottom, just go around the tree following the marks you made. As 1 full wrap is completed move the string up to the next mark. Just keep wrapping the lights around and using a ziptie every so often to secure the lights.		Now once the tree is in a nice overall form you are read to start on the lights. I made a mark with the Sharpie every inch going up 3 of the 6 vertical supports. I started wrapping the lights from the bottom, just go around the tree following the marks you made. As 1 full wrap is completed move the string up to the next mark. Just keep wrapping the lights around and using a ziptie every so often to secure the lights.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:cage_mark.jpg]][[Image:cage_lights1.jpg]]

			[[Image:cage_lights2.jpg]][[Image:cage_lights3.jpg]]


	This will leave 1 inch of space between the wraps and thus allow the lights in the back half of the tree to be seen from the front. Using this method you will get about 80-90 percent of the effect of have twice the amount of lights on the tree. On my 24 inch tree 150 lights was just right. If you do a taller tree you may need 200 or more lights depending on how tall your Mini tree will be.		This will leave 1 inch of space between the wraps and thus allow the lights in the back half of the tree to be seen from the front. Using this method you will get about 80-90 percent of the effect of have twice the amount of lights on the tree. On my 24 inch tree 150 lights was just right. If you do a taller tree you may need 200 or more lights depending on how tall your Mini tree will be.

			[[Image:cage_finished.jpg]]

			Now that the Mini Tree is finished what do we do with all the left over pieces from the tomato cage? Simply take the straight pieces and bend them into a small candy cane shape. These are perfect to be used as ground stakes for the Mini Trees you just made and othe display items.

			[[Image:cage_cut_pieces.jpg]][[Image:cage_stakes.jpg]]


	Good Luck and Merry Christmas!		Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

Macrosill at 20:55, 8 July 2007

2007-07-08T20:55:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 8 July 2007
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	First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.		First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.

	[[Image:2 cages.jpg~~\|thumb~~]]		[[Image:2 cages.jpg]]

	I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.		I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.

Macrosill at 20:55, 8 July 2007

2007-07-08T20:55:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 8 July 2007
Line 28:		Line 28:
	First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.		First we will need to decide on the size of the mini tree. I like to use the 2nd largest ring of the cage as the base of the tree. So just flip the cage upside down, step back and take a look at the overall shape. Decide how large or small of a tree you would like.

	~~picture~~		[[Image:2 cages.jpg\|thumb]]

	I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.		I used a 24 inch tree so I had to cut down the cage to size. I cut off the bottom ring and used the 2nd largest ring as a standard and cut the next smallest ring in the center of each section between the vertical supports with the bolt cutters. I cut the smallest ring off completely. This will leave you with 3 horizontal section from the middle ring. For the cage that will go over this one you will need to cut all the rings off completely except for the bottom one.