What I am trying to do is mount branches from my ceiling, in the same vein as what Suppenkuche did to theirs.  Question is, where do I find large branches, without going to someone's yard with a hand saw?  I need it to be cheap, and can decorate/finish it myself.

I've looked on craigslist, but haven't seen anything really.

Oh, and I don't want just plain branches and twigs, but soemthing that is really interesting with lots of curves and twists.  I plan on hanging it over my dining area, so I can watch the shadows dance on the floor while I eat.

I've found some places online, but they're really expensive as the branches have been finished with paint, etc., or the shipping costs are outrageous.

But at least, I have that option.

Like this: yelp.com/biz_photos/DGyo…

try craigslist up in russian river?

be careful. i would make sure to get branches from trees that dont attract pest after theyve dried out. speaking of which, you probably want dried branches and some species release crap when they are drying, sap being a pesky thing to clean up

That's a great idea, Suge, don't know why I didn't think of posting an ad up there.

I'll try that.

Good point, Euge, I didn't even think of that.  Yes, I would like dried branches, and definitely no insects.

also, try calling the firewood companies. maybe they have ideas.

contact some landscape companies that trim trees.

What kind of trees?

There are rows upon rows of manzanita trees in the business parks of San Ramon / Livermore. The bark is reddish but I think they have that windy gnarly-ness you're looking for.

My sis actually pilfered some and cured them in her own garage for a couple months before stringing them up w/xmas lights and creating arches with them for her wedding banquet decorations.  The effect was brilliant.

Manzanita branches would be perfect.  They're beautiful, but I would prefer to obtain branches through legal means.  I don't want to get caught with a saw in one hand while up in a tree.

Chicken. Well, go door-to-door, and see if you can offer to trim trees yourself for anyone with a house in the Santa Cruz or Los Gatos area. They're everywhere.

manzanita are perfect, because they are so hard and smooth, once the outside flakes off. ironically, manzanita means "little apple", which doesn't make any sense. i wonder if you would want to treat the limbs with waterproofing to prevent decay?

They may be pricy but they are here in the city.

yelp.com/biz/ixia-san-fr…

Also try buildings and grounds for the Parks or Colleges

Golden Gate Park

I would treat the branches myself, and probably do some kind of finishing to them.  They're going inside, so I don't know if I would water proof them.

I will contact Parks and Services, maybe they'll give me some.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

if it were my project, i'd probably just sleep with a tree trimmer to get what i needed.

but then, that's my answer for everything.

good luck, tien!

did you try posting on craigslist under "wanted" for a landscaper's leftovers? my mom gets tons of stuff dropped off at her house constantly by landscapers who have leftovers they need to get rid of: concrete blocks, tanbark, extra soil, etc. I dunno if tree trimmers would be involved, cause manzanita is more of a bush than a tree.