Inch by Inch, Step by Step....

I am working on the steps for the spiral staircase.  I did the steps by cutting a circle the diameter of the staircase and dividing it.  Then I cut the tips off of the steps where they will meet the tree trunk.

Then I drilled two holes in each step at the wide edge and painted them black.

I used skewers to connect the steps.  As you see them in this photo, they are not spaced or attached to the supports. 

I have glued the tree in place.  Unfortunately, that's the only way I can be sure that the steps are in the correct position as I work.

Right now, they cover more area than the base for the tree.  I plan to smooth that out to a rolling hill shape, instead of a lump.

 Of course Tessie showed up to "help" after I was finished gluing the tree in place...

She did offer to hold the clamp...After everything was partially dry. 
I may just tell her to stand there and hold it for an hour or two... Just to keep her out of my hair. 

I have to wait until the tree is thoroughly dry before I start gluing the rest of the steps in place.

Hey!  With her out of the way, I could probably run into town and get supplies and she would never know I was gone.  Especially if I turn the TV to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, before I go.  That should keep her happy for a couple of hours.  I might even let her have her director's chair to sit in, whilst she holds the clamp...

Anyway, I hope to see you tomorrow with a whole, completed staircase...Wish me luck!

See you tomorrow.