How to Make Fake Branches Look Realistic

how to make fake branches look real

I love having fresh cut branches in the house but the reality is they can be difficult to find and hard to keep up. Faux branches are perfect for when I can’t find (or don’t have time to cut) fresh ones, but also don’t want to see my large vases and urns sitting empty.

There are some things you can do to help your fake branches look a more realistic. It just takes a little investment in time and money but I think it’s worth it in the end. I wanted to actually show you how I get my branches to look the way they do, so I created this short video to walk you through my process. If you don’t have time for the 5 minute video, read my quick tips below.

Quick Tips

  1. Always buy top quality faux branches
  2. Fluff the branches
  3. Don’t forget to bend the main branch itself
  4. Cut the stem to fit your vase perfectly
  5. Use a brown crayon to add a few dark highlights to the branch and leaves

 

Buy Good Quality

Think of your faux branches as an investment in your home décor and splurge on good quality! More expensive branches do tend to look more realistic, so it’s worth the extra money, in my opinion.

Fluff The Branches

Bend the smaller stems away from the main branch to create dimension. Don’t be afraid to really twist and turn these little parts to get the look you want. A good quality branch will allow you to mold and style it.

Bend The Main Stem

Bend the main stem for a more natural look. A real tree branch is rarely perfectly straight. Yo ucan do this as you are arranging the branches in the vase/urn.

Cut The Stem

Don’t forget to cut the main stem to perfectly fit your vase. I recommend cutting so that most of the branch stem is hidden inside the vase.

Brown Crayon Trick

A dark brown stem looks more natural, so try to find that when you purchase. If you have a lighter color stem with no detail, you can rub a brown crayon over the stem to give it more color and dimension, like a real stem would have.

 

I hope these tips help! Again, there’s no shame in bringing in fake branches to make your space feel more alive. Just make sure you take the time to style them the right way. Also, like any plant, real or fake, you need to tend to them every now and then, at least to keep them dust free!

 

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