I did get the branch hung and was able to temporarily hang the pieces I had worked on at the top. They are in the wrong place but now I am able to see how much work is still ahead of me.
I had used 11s so far but feel they may be too small. Will do an experimental patch of 8s today to see if I can punch up the colors. Besides, as the branches get fatter it takes forever to stitch the smaller beads. Also the bigger beads are easier on my eyes and I can work later in the evening when I use them. Am yawning as I type this as it was 12:30 last night.