Hi, Michael (Honeycutt),
It’s nice of you to comment that you found Alan’s and my posting
helpful, and to offer moral support. As a reward ;>) here’s another
tip that may help with projects such as the leaf and stem one.
I find it very useful sometimes to superglue the parts together just
as I want them, then set them up to solder. You can pack “extra
hands” ( a papier mache-like material for holding parts during heat
work), sand, or other holding material while the tiny pieces are one
unit. If you do it right, when you remove the glue with the first
touch of the torch, everything will stay put. Paste solder may also
make the job you describe easier, though I’ve had trouble
determining exactly how much of it a job will take.
Good luck! Noel