Set Design and Construction: Creating Bark

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Creating Bark

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Set Design and Construction
Forum Discription: Post your questions or suggestions about designing or building a set here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3134
Printed Date: 5/18/24 at 4:09pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Creating Bark

Posted By: Bbentler
Subject: Creating Bark
Date Posted: 4/26/08 at 12:11pm

I am doing the musical A year with Frog and Toad and we are needing to create just some simple logs with realistic looking bark. What are the simplest methods to doing so? I'd prefer to avoid the whole glue/chicken wire scenario. Any ideas?

Replies:

Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 4/27/08 at 2:04am

Depending on the diameter required?

Just use plastic sewerage pipe/tube, covered in calico [you may call muslin or whatever?] it will crinkle up to give a bark effect. You can glue it using an a plastic or epoxy glue or cover the tube with a sleeve of calico & glue strips to depicting string bark. At least they will sustain someone sitting or standing on them. For larger than the tube is available try those plywood cement casement former tubes. You can also work in branches knot holes, using the calico or just paper mache, with a mix of water & PVA [white wood glue]. wood glue.

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[western] Gondawandaland
"Hear the light & see the sound!
TOI TOI CHOOKAS
{may you always play to a full house!}

Posted By: spikesgirl
Date Posted: 4/27/08 at 9:51am

We have built many many trees over my years in the scene shop. Easiest way would be to sono-tube - these can be purchased in various diameters from your local Harbor Frieght (or something similar - Home Depot won't have them). They are the cardborad tubes that the construciton compaines use as mold for concrete pillars. Very heavy duty and study, but inexpensive. Then use brown paper towels ( a couple of rolls from any stores that sells janitor supplies. Mix use some very loose dutch (probably 5 parts water - 1 part white glue ratio. We put the 'branches' in first and then just cover the whole tube with handfuls of crumbled paper. You can paint it with a spray gun - or even using a handheld spray bottle (if you're use a water based paint, spray lightly and let it dry because you can loosen the paper otherwise.).

This has worked the best for us and the 'trees' hold up wonderfully.

Charlie

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 4/27/08 at 12:00pm

I also like using the sonotubes, they're relatively lightweight and sturdy. Another technique for creating the bark effect is to use "Great Stuff" spray-on foam insulation, also available at Home Depot.

Place the sonotube on end on scrap plywood, cut with a jig saw in a random, roughly circular pattern. Angle a few 2x4 to hold the tube upright. Wrap the sonotube and 2x4 in burlap or other cheap textured, fabric. (This gives the insulation something to "bite" into.) Glue or staple in place.

Using the straw included with the "Great Stuff" aerosol can, simply spray lines free-hand down the length of the trunk and let the expansion take place. WARNING: This material is SUPER-STICKY so be sure to protect your workspace with plastic or newspapers, wear protective gloves, expendible clothing and safety glasses.

It takes several hours to dry completely, but once it dries, it is quite durable and can be painted using any of the techniques mentioned above.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: Bbentler
Date Posted: 4/27/08 at 1:06pm

Thank you so much. I think I have what I need. You guys are so knowledgable!

Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 4/28/08 at 8:50am

We had some Into The Woods trees made much in the same way Joe and Skipesgirl mentioned but used burlap which gave it a heavier patterned look.

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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse