I have gotten to the point where I feel like I don't how to do anything. My every attempt at building a building has failed miserably. I don't know if i should be trying to scratch build buildings at only 13. Should I? Then after that I try to build a diorama in the woods it always turns out the same. The grass looks like astroturf and it doesn't look like woods. All I asking for is help on what materials i need and different techniques there are for make everything look real.

Matthew start small and work your way up, don't try to do to much too soon.

Look back a page or 2 on this diorama section for : "Subject: Pzr III K Diorama - Create long summer grass" I thought he did good explaining realistic groundwork. Everyone does different "art" so just ask around and find something to copy. I like the Shepard Paine book, "building dioramas" or some title like that. There are many aspects to make a diorama look good. So start simple like grass or dirt or a city street and wall.

My formula is 1. DAS modelling clay to make a base 2. sand/white glue mixture for dirt 3. Pigments or flat paint for dirt color 4. small shrubs. The water for my last 1/48 dio was made painting the Das Clay base in greens/browns and then "Vallejo Still Water" brushed on top to give it a shine.

A dio can become expensive but it doesn't have to be if you look for natural stuff in the yard and kitchen spices for practice.
HTH

Get the book:
http://www.amazon.com/How-Build-Dioramas-Sheperd-Paine/dp/0890241953/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1247727288&sr=8-2

Grasshopper, you must walk before you can run.
matthew, before frustrating yourself on a dio, build a good number of freestanding models to get the basics down right first. Your post leaves more questions than answers.
What kind of buildng are you using? What "grass" product? If you have a model railroad shop near you, scope out their groundwork stuff.

Mat, A good start would be two books if you can get or borrow them. Roy Porter's model building masterclass and Richard Windrow's terrain modelling. Both are full of color pic's and step by step instuctions that show you what matterials were used and how to achive the end result. After years of building I still end up back in them for referance. The site here is loaded with building blogs, just cruise through and check them out. If this dosen't help then ask away and someone will answer your questions. Try to remember that store bought ground cover usually needs to be painted to achive that nature look. Woodland scinces makes a grass of dyed hair that is great for long or short grass (green and yellow brown) but they have a tendacy to fade, hence the need to dry brush them. Another thing you might try is to look at old buildings and snap a few pic's for your own referance, notting how they are built ect. The best source for trees is roots. Clean, dry and zap in the microwave for 30 seconds to kill off any hitch hikers, or the lady of the house may have words for you, . Leaves can be added to suite the time off year if you have the patience for it. The last advice I can give you is research, research, reseach. Make sure the terrain or building belongs where and when you are modeling. But the most importaint thing is to have fun.

Matthew,
I agree with most of the advice given so far. This site is one of the best references you could ask for.
Since Bob brought up useful books..."How to Build Dioramas" by Shepard Paine is, for me, a must have. It was my first how to dio book and was indispensible. It covers all aspects of dio building and is great for beginners. Actually, I still go back and read parts of it every now and then.

I don't know what kind of budget you have, I suspect it's limited, but a product called static grass is pretty good for modelling short grass. I think Woodland Scenics makes some, might be able to find it at your Local Hobby Shop. If you get some and have any questions just ask!

What materials are you using to make buildings? Almost anything can be used, you just have to have a plan and a little patience.
And of course have fun!!!

BillK.

You seem to be very fixed on the fact that you are 13. Frankly, it is not your age, but your skill level that matters. I'm 15, and I just finished my first diorama a couple months ago. You can see that it's very simple. I decided that anything in the diorama that I had a feeling I wouldn't be able to pull off, I wouldn't attempt - namely trees! So, try that - start with something simple.

BTW, for this diorama, I built a box with hardboard - it calls itself "Fibrex"- for $2 for a 2'x4' sheet, then made the basic shape with foam insulation - $10 for a 2'*4' sheet 1" thick. then, I put paper mache on tto make the contours, and covered this with a mixture of sand, white glue, water, a little soil, and a pinch of cat litter. I drilled holes and inserted jute string, like in the thread California Greg mentioned. You don't need exotic or expensive materials to get a passable result.

SCOTT

Thanks everyone i feel a lot better. I think I was just going though my mid life crisis........ Thanks to everyone

Hi Mathew,

There are a lot of good advices above and I just want to echo the age non-concern. There is no age hierrachy in scale modelling and no one should say at 13, you can do this or you cannot do that.

I think the age factor may come in when considering the budget, like how much your pocket money could afford. There are countless types of materials and accessories you can use to build your first dio, start small and simple. Gather more experience to build bigger and more complex dio later.

For your current project, if you're not happy with the grass, try one without it. Just sand, rocks & stones could do good dio. For scratched structures or buildings, also think small first, may be some ruins instead. I remembered my first dio (30 years ago) was made out of mostly surplus stuff, small piece of wooden plank (8" X 8"), some plaster, sand & stones from the beach and a slight touch of bushes cut from old paint brush.

Last word, try to enjoy it more.

Paul

Thanks

Hi there Matt, I thought I would post as I know what its like when you get to the point where you just cant get anything working for you. I have never made a diorama, I have finished a few static models but my main interest is in metal miniatures and the painting thereof. I check out this board now and again for inspiration - and lord knows theres plenty to be had here! I do not tend to post online very much as i find it very intimidating [the skill on display here is top notch] - also modelling has always been quite a personal thing for me.

Im 26 and I have built and painted models for as long as I can remember, I think the hobby will always be with me.

Im my time I have progressed - very slowly - to the point where I can now finish a model and be pleased/proud of the result. Above all else I enjoy the freedom and imagination that you can bring out of a heap of items and bits and things you find lying around. It a great thing to be able to take these materials and potentially build something that is beautiful - just a bit of glue, patience, paint, and your talent.

As stated above - the most important thing is that you like doing it. I love to build and paint tiny little models. I dont know why - it just sits very well with me. You should not give up mate! Another important factor is the online community - there are thousands and thousands of us out here dying to see what other people are building so we can learn and inspire each other. If you had not mentioned your age then nobody on here would know you are 13. Keep at it and get some pics up so we can have a look