BEADED TREE SET UP INSTRUCTIONS
1. Find your base. Which base did you order- see below for instructions:
X-Shaped Base. Collect the two wood X-BASE pieces—2 rectangles that fit together and form an X. It will be a tight fit. If needed, use a hammer or mallet to tap together to form a tight connection- the wood should make a flat bottom surface that is flush to the floor. Use a piece of scrap wood or a folded up square of cardboard from the shipping box to protect the base from the hammer or mallet. Place the assembled base, hole facing up, on the floor. For more information, including a demonstration video, CLICK HERE.
Circular Base Upgrade. Unbox your circular base, place on the ground with the hole facing up.
Triangle Base. Unbox your triangle base, place on the ground with the hole facing up. Use the twistable feet to level the base as needed.
2. Make sure the base is completely level on the floor.
Shim to level base as needed. If floor is not level, the tree will not be able to stand up straight. THICK RUGS MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP THE TREE LEVEL.
3. Insert the rod.
Sometimes it takes some real OOMPH to get the rod completely into the base.
HOW WE LIKE TO DO IT: You can use a drill to insert and remove the rod. Have one person hold the base while positioning the rod horizontal to the ground. Tighten the empty chuck of the drill around the rod, and then use the drill to turn and push it in at the same time. For a video demonstration CLICK HERE
4. Build the tree trunk.
Begin by placing beads on the steel rod to create the tree trunk.
NOTE: There are hundreds of ways to set up this tree, for inspiration CLICK HERE. However, if you would like to create the tiered pattern pictured frequently on our website:
3FT TREE- Use 10 beads to create the trunk.
4FT TREE- Use 7 beads to create the trunk.
5FT TREE- Use 12 beads to create the trunk.
6FT TREE- Use 13 beads to create the trunk.
7FT TREE- Use 3 or 9 beads to create the trunk
8FT TREE- USE 13 beads to create the trunk
NOTE ABOUT BEADS: NEVER FORCE BEADS ONTO THE ROD. When working with wood, there is always slight variation in hole size. A proper tree bead should fall easily onto the rod, no resistance. We give you more beads than you need to account for this possibility-- so if a bead seems tight, please do not use it.
5. Arrange branches from tallest to shortest. On a table or floor nearby, arrange the branches from tallest to shortest. PRO TIP: A large clean bucket works great for this-- quickly arranges your branches by size.
NOTE ABOUT BRANCHES: The branches are very sturdy, however, like anything that is thinner and made of wood, they should be handled with care. When placing on the tree, be careful to help the branch travel to the bottom to ensure a long branch life- DO NOT DROP THEM INTO PLACE. Also, we have noticed (from our children!) that younger kids immediately turn branches into play swords and catapults! So if you are including children in the tree building process, help them to be as careful with the branches as possible. But not to worry! If a branch breaks, you can order replacements from our website: CLICK HERE
6. Place the branches and beads onto your tree. Remember, you can arrange this tree into MANY different patterns- so have fun with it! If you would like to set it up in the tiered pattern we advertise:
Take the 4 largest branches and place them on the steel rod to create the first layer of tree branches. Each layer of branches will have 4 branches that are the same size. Next place 5 beads on top of the first layer of branches. Next, put the next 4 branches on the rod. Then 5 more beads. Repeat this pattern until you get to the top of the tree.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE BRANCHES TO REMAIN STILL:
OPTION 1: Find the package of tiny clear rubber bands and put one rubber band, twisted several times around the rod, in between each wood branch. This creates friction in between each branch and keeps the branches from moving around. You can view a video demonstration of this on our website here.
OPTION 2: Place a bead in between each branch.
7. Decorate and enjoy!
HAVE A QUESTION? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at welcometothewoodshop@gmail.com- or for many informational videos, check out our FAQ PAGE: CLICK HERE