XMas in summer

How do you render a 3D Christmas tree in Flash?

Papervision is an option, but don’t expect the 3D tree model to look realistic…
This project has a mini, custom-built 3D tree renderer.
It rotates particles around a 3D cone shape, replace those particles with random Bitmap objects of branches, rotate and colorize them randomly, and you get a decent 3D tree feeling.

This build uses 1600 particles, some are dynamic, an they represent pictures which people can upload, sphered within xmas balls.

Click the image to view the 3D tree.
note that the webservice which loads the uploaded xmas balls is currently unavailable, so only the non-decorated tree is shown.