So, after searching for commercially available palm trees, I found I was not completely happy with the way they looked. (Especially if you only used one or two of them for a show piece like a DBA camp.)
Then I found several articles on making palm trees, and was greatly inspired by this one from the U.K.
I did try this technique with some success, but then came up with some of my own modifications after a quick trip to Mexico, where I was able to better study the subject while relaxing in the shade of said subject. So I wanted to share the techniques I discovered on my quest for palm trees.
First, I start with Avery labels and floral wire (thickness or gauge can vary depending on the scale of the tree).
![Wire and labels Wire and labels](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056a.jpg)
Cut the floral wire to length. This is scalable to the desired tree size. Stick on a label by folding it over one end of the wire, and cut the label to the outer shape of a palm frond.
![Palm frond Palm frond](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056b.jpg)
Now, using a pair of scissors, cut the individual fronds into the label. You can cut until the wire stops you.
![Palm frond Palm frond](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056c.jpg)
You will then want to curl the individual leave slightly. I use my thumb or a paint bottle as a guide.
![Palm frond Palm frond](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056d.jpg)
![Palm frond Palm frond](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056e.jpg)
Now you have a collection of palm fronds. I find that 8-9 of these will make a nice-looking tree.
![Palm fronds Palm fronds](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056f.jpg)
Now you need about twelve inches of pipe cleaner. (Brown would be smarter, but I already had the pink ones.)
![Pink pipe cleaner Pink pipe cleaner](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056g.jpg)
Wrap the pipe cleaner tight around the bundle of floral-wire palm branches.
![Palm tree Palm tree](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056h.jpg)
Once you reach the desired tree height, you can make a final trim on the floral wire, and then leave a little excess to bend out like roots.
![Wire work Wire work](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056i.jpg)
Now, adjust the palm branches for position, and you can even bend the trunk slightly.
![Palm tree Palm tree](workbench/pics/gen/2012/389056j.jpg)