How to make a chocolate tree

Chocolates are a superb gift for many occasions, including Valentine’s Day. Here’s how to make your very own beautifully delicious chocolate tree!

You will need:

  • Container measuring 15cm x 15cm to hold your chocolate tree
  • Wooden rod that measures 2cm in diameter and 45cm long
  • Polystyrene ball with 15cm diameter
  • Small bag of concrete mix
  • Paint to decorate the wooden rod
  • Mod podge
  • Foam brushes
  • Tooth picks
  • Gold tissue paper
  • Decorative bow
  • Approximately 100 wrapped, round chocolates (like Ferrero Rocher)

Method:

  • Cut the rod down to 45cm if it’s too long
  • Paint the rod using gold metallic paint before letting it dry.
  • Apply dark brown paint to the rod using a sponge for depth and contrast.
  • Cut or drill a hole into your polystyrene ball. It should have a slightly smaller diameter thant the rod so that it fits nice and tightly without wobbling around. It should be about 7,5cm deep. Insert the rod to make sure it fits and then remove the rod.
  • Measure and cut your wrapping paper into a circle. It should be about 49cm in diameter to cover the ball completely. Cut 8 slits into the paper; halfway to the middle and make sure that they are evenly spaced apart.
  • Put the paper down with the decorative side flat on the table. Place the ball in the middle with the hole up.
  • Apply mod podge to the paper and stick it down section by section. Tuck the ends into the hole as you go so that there are no loose ends.
  • A great tip to remember is to stick one section down and then move on to the section on the opposite side. Continue working with the opposite ends to create and even result.
  • Insert the off cut end of your rod as a place holder and to make sure that the hole remains the correct size.
  • Apply a layer of mod podge to the entire ball to hold it together and make your design stronger. Allow to dry before you continue and, remember, it will dry clear.
  • Mix your concrete as per directions and then fill your container, smooth it out and insert your decorated rod. You might want to add a hook to the top of the rod and attach a strong string or rope to the hook. Once your rod is in place, smooth the concrete. Place in an area where it will remain undisturbed. Use the string to hold the rod in a straight, upright position as the concrete hardens.
  • When hard, attach the ball to the design and get ready to decorate!
  • Add a toothpick to the base of each chocolate and insert the other end into the polystyrene ball. Do not stick them all the way in! You only need to secure the chocolates in the ball and you need to make sure that they are all the same height.
  • Make a row along the top and all the way around.
  • Make another row but don’t align your second row with the first. Your second row should be offset and you should do this on either side. Continue in this same pattern until both halfs of the sphere are covered.
  • Add a bow to the rod and you’re all set!