I have been researching how to create a fake tree for an escape room lately. I know it can add a significant element of atmosphere and realism to a couple of games I’m designing. I’m not sure if I want to hide clues in the tree, make it an interactive prop, or just have it as decor.
Here’s what I’ve learned on how you can design and construct a convincing faux arboreal feature that will enhance the immersive experience for players. Since I haven’t done this myself, yet, I don’t have photos to share, but I do have some additional resources at the end of this post.
Supplies Needed
- PVC pipes or sturdy cardboard tubes for the trunk
- Expanding foam insulation for texture
- Chicken wire for branches
- Brown and green paint
- Artificial leaves or moss
- Adhesives (hot glue, duct tape)
- Basic construction tools (saw, scissors, knife)
Creating the Tree
Step 1: Designing Your Tree
Start with a clear concept. Consider the tree’s size, type, and how it fits into your escape room’s theme. A tree for a fantasy room may look different than a tree in front of a creepy manor. Sketch your design, paying attention to the shape of the trunk, branches, and foliage. Decide if it will have interactive elements, like hidden compartments.
Step 2: Building the Trunk
Create the trunk using PVC pipes or cardboard tubes. For a more natural look, use different sizes and connect them to mimic the tree’s tapering shape. Cover the structure with chicken wire to form a base for the branches and then apply expanding foam insulation to give it texture and volume. Once dry, carve the foam to resemble bark.
Step 3: Crafting the Branches
Shape chicken wire into branches and attach them to the trunk. Ensure they are secure and positioned naturally. If your tree will bear weight, reinforce these areas with additional wire or support structures. That may be a good idea anyway seeing as though players can be hard on props.
Step 4: Painting and Detailing
Paint the trunk and branches with shades of brown, adding darker colors to the recesses for a more realistic effect. Once the paint is dry, add details like knots or carved initials to enhance the tree’s story and potentially provide clues.
Step 5: Adding Foliage
Attach artificial leaves, vines, or moss to the branches. Distribute them unevenly for a more natural look, and consider seasonal effects if they align with your theme. This step dramatically enhances the tree’s realism and can be a great place to hide clues.
Step 6: Installation and Safety
Securely install the tree in your escape room, ensuring it’s stable and won’t tip over. Check for sharp edges or loose parts, and make sure all interactive elements are accessible and safe for players.
Step 7: Integrating the Tree into Puzzles
Consider how the tree can be part of the escape room’s puzzles. Maybe the solution to a riddle is carved in its bark, or a branch must be pulled to reveal a hidden compartment. The tree can be both a decorative and functional element of your escape room.
Additional Resources
To expand my knowledge and techniques for making a fake tree, here are additional resources I’ve found to explore. Mind you, I’m also listing these resources because they are great places to check out for all the projects I’ll need instructions on for my escape rooms.
Online Forums and Communities
- Reddit communities like r/DIY, r/crafts, and r/Theatre: These are great places to ask for advice, share your progress, and see how others have tackled similar projects.
- Instructables: This website is full of user-submitted DIY guides, including detailed steps on making fake trees and other props.
Workshops and Classes
- Local community college or art school: Look for scenic design or theater production classes where you can learn hands-on.
- Workshops at local theaters or maker spaces: These might offer sessions on prop-making or set design.
Online Tutorials and Blogs
- Prop-making blogs: Many prop makers blog about their projects and provide detailed tutorials.
- YouTube channels specializing in theater production, cosplay, or model making: These can provide visual, step-by-step guides that are easy to follow. I share four of my favorites below.
Suppliers and Retailers
- Theatrical supply stores: Staff can often provide advice and may even offer workshops or instructional materials.
- Craft stores: Employees might have personal experience or know of local resources that can help.
Social Media Groups
- Facebook groups and Instagram pages dedicated to theater, cosplay, or DIY: Members often share their own projects and offer tips and tricks.
- Pinterest: A treasure trove of creative ideas and links to various tutorials and resources.
Videos
There were some videos on YouTube that I liked. While they don’t follow exactly the steps I laid out above, there are techniques and ideas from each of them that I may end up using.
By exploring these resources, I’ll be able to gather a wide range of ideas, techniques, and materials to create a fake tree that perfectly suits your escape room’s theme and challenges. Don’t hesitate to reach out to communities or experts; most are more than willing to share their knowledge with enthusiasts. That’s what I plan to do.