Perfect. A ton of replies that all point to the same thing... DO IT!
I've got it hanging now. ill give it a little time, and then in a jar it will go.
Oh and as far as taping it up, i studied the branch before removing it completely. it was probabl about 90% broken off. about the only thing holding it on was the outer "skin" on the bottom side of the branch.
very good information as always! Thank you all RIU