hi all, where do i get profesional diorama bases that look like frames, i have dont several dios already but could have looked better base framed, so my next dio i want to have one

where do i get these

thnx
matt

I've seen lots of people using frames you can buy at dept stores. They are not as expensive as the one provided by model shops/specialized companies and they look very good.
Ciao

i buy all my bases from a local shop that sells and engraves various trophies,glass products etc, for small dios i buy plinths designed for mounting trophies on, and for larger ones i use the decorative edging used to make picture frames
hope that gives you some idea

joe

What I do when I need diobases..

I buy pictureframes in those second hand shops here in Holland (the dutch try to sell everything twice :-) ) In those second hand shops you find the most horrible pictures that won`t even look good in the trashcan and they sell them for a really small amount of money. it`s not the paintings and the picturesthat are so valuable but it`s the frame around it. For the amount of money you spend on a package of cigarets you have ten really nicelooking dio bases in different sizes and styles

I buy trophy plaques from a Micheals craft store. 2-3 bucks each, finished edge. Just needs paint.

HastyP

Matt,
I used picture frames, Micheals plaques, full blown plaques, and hand made deals. The hand made deals are just a piece of wood from old projects. I cut it to size then break out the router and put a decorative edge on it. I make sure I stain it and seal it WELL before I put on any ground work so that it does not warp.

You may also try to use left over MDF, I've seen floor tile used (be carefull with ground work sticking to it).

Doc Dio has a good explanation on how to use picture frames as bases. I think there's something on Armorama.com that explains how to do this, too, but I can't find it. Like some of the others here I usually buy raw blank plaques from a craft store for a few dollars. If you buy one of these be sure to take the time make sure it hasn't cupped or warped, though.

One nice thing about the picture frame bases is you can tailor the style of the base to the subject matter of the diorama without jumping through hoops. Barnwood would be good for a Civil War or Wild West theme...something classy for a Medievel theme...it's all good

k thnx guys, i might just go down to the local picture framing store and have a look,
but its gotta be cheap, coz i just spent 150 $$$$ on hooby materials for my stream dio
budgit is tight

anyway thnx for the great advise, i a appreciate it

matt

Matt my last dio i did on a square of packing polstyrene, cost nothing,Im just going to put some beading around it and a bit of ronseal cost about £1.oo. all the best.

Depending on what I'm working on, I will use ready made frames, or make my own. I head off to my lumber supplier and buy several linear feet of picture framing. Cut it to measure in my mitre box and nail and glue it together. Great alternative for custom sized frames.

I use cheap 'photo frames from my local cheapy shop - usually about £1.5 for A4 size. Ok these are plastic finished to look like wood, but I'd rather spend the money on the model and get a reasonable looking base as cheap as possible.
Build the groundwork inside it or cut pre-formed road sections from the old Synergy range or similar to fit and away you go.

Read the article in FEATURES-> Digital Diamonds - #5 on how to make WONDERFUL bases with plaster and the lids from common items! Here is the link:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/79ere