How do you create gnarled tree shapes like this in GIMP and other graphics programs?

Question

How do you create gnarled tree shapes like this in GIMP and other graphics programs? ?

(I can't afford Photoshop)

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4076/gnarledtreeshapesaa8.gif

Answer 1

a quick idea is to try to cut it out with the selection tool

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