I know it is a mall bonsai and all but I thought training the branches downward would allow the trunks to be a little longer and add a different look to the plant. I am not sure the branches will become rigid enough to stay pointing down after the wire is removed...constructive criticism is, as always, appreciated! Top and a side view.

How would you train such thick branches?

Those are what I am calling the trunks...they will stay like that...in the picture it is kind of hard to see but each individual green shoot is wired with copper and I have them bent over like a weeping willow. I am hoping they will get longer and retain their shape.

I don't know you mean when you say 'like a weeping willow' because I don't know what a weeping willow is but I think you will do well because I think you know more than me about this whole bonsai thing.

Not sure I know more than you about bonsai! Here is a youtube video of weeping bonsai trees, real ones, not my faux attempts

Creating convincing weeping is very hard with species that do normally weep. They will create upward groeth on top of the weepers, and the weeping section eaaily dies off. I think i would not try it ob this species..

Yes....I think I am beginning to see what you mean in my results. Aralia just look so odd with long stems and growth on top... they remind me of a carrot. I am going to leave it go for now and see what comes of it.

Have to give leatherback credit when it is due! First picture is the 3rd yellowing weeping branch I have pulled off my experiment. Good call leather!