Does anyone know how to make a fake tree?

Question

I am in the process of redecorating an elementary school library. It has a vaulted ceiling with one main metal support beam. I have seen in some places where people have made artificial trees around/on these type of beams. They appear to be covered with some sort of syrofoam or plaster type covering? Does anyone know of a website or how to cover a beam to make it into a tree? Also, how and what material is best for the branches,leaves or fronds and what is the best way to secure them? Thanks,MB

Answer 1

Looks like these two web images were done with paper maiche; and concrete.  I have seen one using newspaper crumpled up and ended up looking very good.  The paper was taped/glued on a wall and had huge wads of paper for clumps of leaves, too.  It was then spray-painted brown trunk and green leaves.  It was a temporary decoration at the office for Halloween, but turned out looking pretty good.  

Answer 2

Um, i'm not completely sure, u could just buy an artifical one. have u tried DIY sites or anything? well, once u do that, u chould hang some book covers from the branches! that's look nice.

what kinda beams? you could probally just take some UBC piping and that paper schools have in different colors, take the brown and wrap around it, then for the top, un, not sure. lol. it sounds like an interesting idea. best of luck with it, i'd love to see how it turns out if u make one. my mom did a giant christams tree out of cans at her school...