I like the design of both of your mini trees. I like how the painter easel style collapses down so nicely. I wonder how long the wood will last outside in the environment.
Risking bringing an old thread back from the dead... an update:
Somebody on another forum mentioned that he remembered my Triangle Tree plans posted here.
Looking over the posts again, I saw the concern about how long they will last. Interestingly, my Triangle Trees--hastily constructed using scrap 1x1s--are still looking great after 5 seasons. I guess the secret is exposing them to the elements less than 2 months a year. Maybe the solid stain helped too.