I have seen combinations using wire/paper mache, wire/aluminium foil/paper mache, rope/paper mache to make the stems.
Alternatively I think these are pretty cool - http://www.halloweenforum.com/for-s...-arms-legs-stems-villafane-now-available.html (no affiliation)
Alternatively I think these are pretty cool - http://www.halloweenforum.com/for-s...-arms-legs-stems-villafane-now-available.html (no affiliation)