Bushes and Shrubs ...
can be made with the previously described hemp method and by using lichen from model railroad shops, dried weeds and twigs, fern-like material (actually a kind of seaweed) usually sold at Christmas time by ten-cent stores, by using cut paper and any other material that appears appropriate. Sponges are not recommended. Somehow, they always resemble nothing but sponges.
Lichen can be torn into little clumps and fastened to the base with Elmer’s glue.
Dried weeds and twigs can be dipped in Elmer’s glue, then sprinkled with or dipped into the dyed sawdust to get a different texture in a bush. If you have cut tiny scraps of colored paper, these can be spotted on the lichen or dried weed bushes to resemble flowers. A toothpick will help to put just one drop of glue on the bush—and the same glue-dipped toothpick will then pick up the fleck of color to put it in place.
Unprinted newspaper (available in pads from art supply stores) can be used to make the spears at the base of a yucca tree. Cut a strip of unprinted newspaper. Slash it.
Roll up strip tightly and spread Elmer’s glue along bottom of strip as you roll. Bend outer layers down to make proper shape.
Prickly pear cactus can be made with pipe cleaners bent into correct outline, tied with thread, then the outlines filled in with the paper mache mix.