What should I use for the leaves?

Question

Building a plaster strip wrapped fairy tale looking tree. I'm building a small wire meshed tree about 2 ft tall. Inside it is half an oat meal box. The mesh will be shaped into the body of a gnarled tree much like you would see in a fairy glen in a disney cartoon. The mesh is going to be wrapped with strips of plaster covered cloth I bought from Michael's craft store. The tree will be painted and accented but for the life of me, I can't think what I should use for the leaves. I thought about clipping the ends of thick yarn and gluing them in place. I thought about using small oblong beads and glueing them in place, but nothing jumps out at me. The tree is a valentines day box for my daughter's party. The parents have to make them. My daughter is almost 4 yrs old and she really likes disney fairies merchandise like tinker bell. I'm wanting the tree to be built well enough to win, but durable enough she can include it with her other toys. Any ideas people?

Answer 1

Go to the fabric store and buy some green vinyl fabric. Its the kind if fabric that you cover barstools and outdoor furniture with. Or better yet, get a couple different colors of vinyl fabric. It has a sheen like real leaves do! Cut out small leaf shapes and glue them to the tree braches with a glue gun. The resulting effect will be fantastic!!!

Answer 2

Cut out thin cardboard into leaf shapes. Mix up some plaster of Paris that is watery and has green food coloring in it. Soak the leafs in the plaster and then shape and let dry.