This was my previous iteration:

There’s no doubt about it, “there’s a whole lotta knottin’ goin’ on”!
Simplify, Simplify, Simplify . . .
So, let’s simplify the roots:

Let’s simplify the trunk:

Let’s simplify the branches:

Let’s introduce breaks along the top of the branches:

Let’s introduce breaks along the top and within the branches:

Let’s introduce openings along the top of the branches:

Let’s make the openings deeper:

Here’s one more before I move on:

Now, this is the simplest I care to go for the branches, otherwise they’ll look like the roots:


Not quite as “knotty” as I started, eh, Gina??
You, my friend, are having too much fun…lol!
Marjorie, it DEFINITELY beats the alternative!!
I like the smaller trunk and the breaks on the last design. I think some beaks in the roots as well would also work. Looking at the design I sent you but not totally copying it for inspiration will probably be what I am looking for. I think you get the idea. Happy Sunday!
Thank you, Gina!!
I may have to say, “Excessive knotting be damned!!” Simplifying may not necessarily be a GOOD thing. (Back to the drawing board . . .)
I agree with the comment regarding the balance of roots to tree.
Yes, Gina, I read that comment, and it gave me a moment of pause . . .
Would you be opposed to a double-headed Celtic knot based on the artwork you supplied?? Or, at least, as close as I can come with what I’m working with??