How To Make a Wire Bonsai Tree – 5 Easy Steps

To make a wire bonsai tree, one needs to acquire the skills of creativity, craftsmanship, and imagination. Wiring the bonsai involves wrapping a wire around the trunk and branches of the tree to bend them easily.  This process will create enthusiasm among the people to form bonsai into various shapes and forms with the help of wires and a good precision technique. This wiring part is the most fundamental portion in making this type of bonsai. But what is the process of creating a bonsai tree sculpture using only wire and metal? We will explore all the possible ways of blending a wire into a stunning architecture.

This article provides all the key information on how to make a wire bonsai tree framework for all the beginners who are new to this journey of creating this beautiful design.

How To Make a Wire Bonsai Tree Sculpture – A Walkthrough

Bonsai wire sculptures have existed for a very long time, but only gained popularity in recent times due to online platforms. Craftsmen and artists all over the globe who are into this wire bonsai art are sharing their work online, which proves to be an inspiration for all bonsai enthusiasts. The following is the list of general tools and materials that one will need to prepare this beautiful art.

Materials you’ll need

General tools

A strong metal ruler, goggles, strong metal cutters, a basing pot, and glue.

Wiring a Bonsai

Select high-quality bonsai wire in various gauges to accommodate different branches and trunk thicknesses. Generally, there are 2 types of wires available that can be used (Anodised aluminium and annealed copper). The former one is used in case of deciduous species, while the copper wire is more suitable for evergreen conifers and pines.

The wire is available in various sizes, ranging from 1-8mm. In case of thick branches, it is recommended to wrap them with raffia soaked in water to save the branches from wire damage. For beginners, it is essential to avoid concentrating pressure at a single point by evenly applying the bending force around the branches.

Round nose pliers/needle nose pliers

 It is useful to grip, bend, and shape the wire along with creating loops and curves in it.

How to Make a Wire Bonsai Tree: For Beginners

Although the process of creating a wire bonsai tree requires a lot of time and patience but is indeed a rewarding process. This beautiful piece of art brings joy to everyone who sees it and will respect its demonstration of nature. With proper planning, vision, and discipline, one can always make a wire bonsai tree by following the steps given below.

1.     Firstly, sketch a rough outline of your desired bonsai tree design, considering the overall shape, branch placement, and proportions.  One should always know the size and scale of the wire bonsai tree and the dimensions of the base selected.

2.     These wire trees are formed in a shape similar to actual bonsai, only after the base is set, and the rest of the tree will follow the flow. After the base, the branches have to be set, which is followed by the foliage.

3.     The longest part is to make the foliage pad, which on average requires approximately two minutes to form and adjust. A typical structure requires around 120 pads, which alone requires four hours to shape and refine the foliage. According to the thumb rule, always go with the thickest branches first and then to thinner ones for wiring as it will ease down the process and make the arrangement neat. An angle of 45 degrees perpendicular to the branch or trunk is optimal (provides excellent bending stability) for coiling the wire bonsai tree.

4.     The last step is to shape a tree into a desired form. After the tree is complete, the next step is to select a suitable pot. The success of the bonsai depends only when the pot and bonsai complement each out.

5.     After creating this work of art, it is important to locate it at that place where it can be seen and appreciated (on a desk or even in a miniature garden). An illuminated space will raise its worth.

The Demand

Wiring the bonsai is an essential technique for shaping it into the popular design.  A special kind of wire has been wrapped around the branches of the tree to grow in a particular direction. This process of wiring can help the tree in many ways like

1.     It turns any bonsai tree into a piece of work or a metal sculpture.

2.     It transforms the overall shape of the tree.

3.     One can always design the shape of the tree as per the desire.

4.     No need for pruning to change the position of branches with the wiring technique.

When Should You Start Wiring?

The right timing is only when the sapling develops into a young tree, one with careful pruning, can achieve the classic bonsai tree shape. The desired tree should be thick at the bottom and evenly tapered from the upward side. This shape makes the bonsai a full-size tree from a far distance. So the best time to wire is when the trunk and the branches have fairly established and can be bent easily.

Some Preventive Steps

Although making a wire bonsai tree is an interesting craft project, it still requires some precautionary measures to obtain a fruitful result in the end. An artist of the wire bonsai tree should take care of the following:

1.     Always wear gloves and glasses: For a beginner, it is always important to wear gloves and glasses at all times while working with the wires to make a wire bonsai tree to prevent cuts, blisters, and wire fragments that may fly off into the eyes.

2.     Usage of proper tools: Wire cutters should be used according to the particular gauge of wire. Also, take care of the fingers while using pliers (round nose-, flat-nose) for shaping and twisting the branches.

3.     Select the right kind of wire: for a new learner, it is crucial to understand the selection of wires because aluminum wire is soft and easy to bend, unlike copper wire, which is hard and requires more power to twist.

4.     Avoid Over-Bending and over watering the bonsai -Be careful not to over-bend branches or trunk sections beyond their maximum extent. Moreover, one should avoid excessive watering of the bonsai, as it can lead to root rot and invite fungal diseases.

5.     A proper area should be selected: To make a wire bonsai tree, a proper area with a stable surface should be selected, which otherwise causes slips or injury.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the above information provides every bonsai tree craftsperson with a clearer and concise view on how to create a wire bonsai tree. This breathtaking wonder is a symbol of nature, and that too in a unique and creative form. The article also gives information on the precautions that one should take while preparing this masterpiece. With a little patience, creating a wire bonsai tree indeed offers a rewarding and pleasant feeling. So why wait to create this art? Grab your pliers and wires today, enjoy the process, and let your inner artist shine.