Optical fibre artificial tree or foliage article

An artificial tree comprising a hollow trunk and a plurality of branches connected to the trunk, a plurality of bundles of optical fibres extending along the inside of the trunk from a lower end thereof at which, in use, a light source is directed, and exiting the trunk adjacent to the individual branches along which the bundles are led, the fibres being sharply bent at regions near to the fibre ends so that the fibres have light-dispersing fractures therein.

An artificial wreath or garland comprising at least one bundle of optical fibres having a proximal end at which, in use, a light source is directed, and a distal end, wherein adjacent the distal end the fibres are bent sharply to induce fractures therein.

A method of forming an artificial tree or foliage article having a plurality of branches and a plurality of optical fibres, comprising:

• (a) forming bundles of fibres which are secured to extend along respective branches;
• and
• (b) near ends of the fibre bundles, sharply bending the fibres so as to induce fractures within the fibres.