I decided last minute to take a workshop at this years Bonsai Societies of Florida’s Convention in Orlando.  The Fukien Tea material that they had was very nice and I had been wanting one for a long time since my previous one died (that’s another story).  Anyway the instructor was one of my favorites, Boon Manakitivipart,  and I had participated in one of his intensive training programs a while ago. 

The first issue I notice was the trunk line, and how it went horizontal at one point.  I knew that had to be addressed.  Then I realized that by changing the angle of the tree a lot of the branching problems would be taken care of as well. 

I think the change in angle changed everything.  I was so excited about the tree that I brought out a pot that I bought in Japan and have been waiting for the perfect time to use it.  It has an unusual finish which looks like the pot is decomposing.  That combined with the lumpy textured trunk of the Fukien Tea and we have a nice pair.  Many of the branches will be changed in teh future.  I am just trying to develop roots this year, and get the tree to a healthier state.

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However with that issue taken care of, The Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention starts Thursday and I am to display two trees there.  The problem again are the leaves.  In this case, there aren’t really any to speak of.

I hope this peek of Spring helps many of you to get inspired to start working on your trees.  This is certainly one of my favorite times of the year.

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Last BSF Convention in Port Canaveral I sat in as a spectator for a Sean Smith daiza carving workshop. I’m glad I did. Sean is the highest recognized diaza artist outside of Japan and is respected for his work in Japan as well.
After the workshop I was very motivated to create one of these little stands and it turned out pretty good. So I decided to try another one. The following steps are what I followed to create one. I hope it inspires others out there to give it a try.

I bought a rock at the most recent CFBC meeting from a long time member, Marge Pierce. I didn’t like the stand, but the rock had potential. This is what it looked like when I bought it.

Here it is removed from the stand.

I used Rosewood for the daiza. This rock was an easy one because it had a flat base. So all you do is put it on the wood and trace around it.

The outline of the rock

I use a dremel tool with a router attachment to remove the material about 1/8″. Just stay in the lines.

Now put the rock in its place and trace a line about 1/8″ around it to form the lip.

I used a jigsaw to cut out the diaza. Its starting to look good.

Now select the areas for the feet.

Here it is in its final form. It still needs a ton of sanding and handling to darken it up. That’s all there is to it. Give it a try

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