Create a Banzai Tree using Manzanita branches!

I have created a beautiful masterpiece with a red Manzanita branch. It looks like a little Banzai tree. Very Japanese. 

Here is a front view:

I even constructed the box using 5 pieces of wood which I glued together using wood glue. Some old wooden blocks formed the top of it. Below is a side view.

I wanted some of the leaves to stay on for as long as possible. Manzanita leaves seem to be ageless just like the wood, because the leaves don't turn brown. They get kind of dry and brittle, but the coloring stays pretty much the same as when you first cut the branch.

I sprayed this one with Triple Thick (found at most craft stores and at Michael's) and the leaves don't even fall off if you bump into them now.

The Triple Thick also gives the wood a beautiful glossy sheen that looks nice and it doesn't make it look plastic or fake.

I used just a little lightweight casting plaster (also found at craft stores and Michael's) which I mixed in a small container and then set the branch in the center. I only needed to hold it up for about 3 or 4 minutes before the plaster was firm enough to support the weight of the branch.

Then I slid it down into my hand-made wooden base and found the blocks to arrange on top. I glued the blocks in place using wood glue.

The final touch was to brush some wood stain onto the base, covering all of the wood except the bottom.

Voila! A Banzai tree that you don't need to water, yet it isn't fake plastic or metal or clay. It is a real tree branch with its own leaves, forever suspended in time.

Let me know if anyone else tries something similar.

Need some Manzanita branches? I happen to have it growing everywhere.

You can order some via my Etsy store, cut fresh by yours truly. Click the link below:

Red Manzanita Branches for Decorating and Centerpieces

Red Manzanita grows naturally into a beautiful, twisting, living sculpture.

There is no reason why you can't bring the beauty indoors.

Implement Red Manzanita into centerpieces, wall art, sculptures, and many other interior design and decor purposes. It is versatile and lasts virtually forever.

Manzanita is one of the longest lasting, hardest woods in existence. People even use it for fish tank decor!

One of my favorite ways to use Red Manzanita branches is to pot it in a pretty plant pot and create a Banzai tree look. I use an inch or two of plaster in the bottom of the pot and it sets within seconds. Top that with rocks, glass marbles, moss, soil, or anything you like. You can preserve the actual leaves, or glue silk ones on wherever you like. It makes a very realistic looking Banzai tree without having to actually grow a Banzai.

The branches can be painted to fit into your design theme. Above is a nice example of Manzanita branches used to create a very elegant sculpture.

One of the most popular uses for Manzanita branches is in the creation of Wedding centerpieces and decorations. Manzanita branches make beautiful wish trees, as well.

Jewelry trees and organizers are another popular way to use Manzanita branches. They can be trimmed down or left long. Either way, they last forever and your jewelry becomes part of your bedroom or bathroom decor!

I will continue to add to this blog the many ways I, myself, find to use this amazing tree.

If you would like freshly cut and trimmed or untrimmed Red Manzanita branches, please contact me or view my listings on Etsy.

It grows natural and wild where I live. I noticed its artistic value while walking our dog. My artist's eye caught the beauty of the trees and now I have decorated our house with it.

I can cut branches to order, or I usually have pre-cut ones up for sale.

Click below to see what I have. Feel free to contact me with questions.