Squashed juniper technique

The squashed juniper technique is a method of producing yamadori-style shohin size bonsai using relatively young, long whips.

The trunk is wrapped tightly in raffia and then wired throughout its length.
The trunk is then aggressively bent, twisted, balled and smashed into the tightest wad obtainable.
The tree is allowed to grow for about a year to set in that position.
After unwiring, the resulting contorted movement of the trunk creates a growth pattern reminiscent of the wild, collected junipers.
After the branches are given similar treatment, deadwood features of jin and shari can be added to the trunk and to create the snags and exposed trunk and lifelines.

Jim Gremel provides instruction in this technique and it is a favorite of John Planting and Sandy Planting.