I had to make a tree about 12" tall. My first effort with wire turned into a "bobble" tree. So, I made the main trunk and main limb out of wood dowels, ala Osprey's "Terrain Modeling". Then I was stuck for weeks.
So, I added some wood dowels of different diameters to look like major branches. I drilled the ends and put one or two or three strands of 7-wire braided copper. The wire became smaller limbs, branches and twigs. Still didn't look right and I was stumped again.
Finally, I drilled a number of angled holes in different locations of the (wooden) main trunk, main limbs and main branches. Again, into these holes went 1-3 strands of the 7-wire braided copper.
Now, despite numerous puncture wounds and probable copper poisoning, I have a 12" tall tree just loaded with limbs, branches and twigs, with 1-3 short ends for the outermost envelope. The best part is, that it is not only rigid, but I can move the copper to cover and not cover what I want. Chubby Checker is now the person with the SECOND most twists to his credit.
Next is the bark, which I will experiment with different artist's gels, pastes and mediums to see which sticks and can be given a pattern, since I can't get Flexibark here. Then I plan to use silver birch catkin seeds as leaves.
But, the trick for me was the combination of wood and copper. Comments?

Sealhead (Kansas Sunflower) And yes, Virginia, there are trees in Kansas. Have three nice walnut trees in the back to use as a guide.

The idea sounds nice, can you show us some pictures of it?

yes, it does sound cool..I would love to see some pics!

Okay, I'll figure out how to post a pic, even though I have tried before.

I am all "twisted" out from the wires.

Selahead (Kansas Sunflower)

I was planning to try making tree trunks using Sculpey clay on an armature wire and sculpt and carve the bark. Following baking, I'd drill the holes and attach other limbs and such. Thanks for the idea of using copper wire for the smaller branches. Great "twist "on the wire tree.