Ola:)

I managed to find some time (well actually not much time was needed as this piece took around 3min) today and created this:



a pretty cool moss imitation.

I even included a one cent coin to show you how big the rock is:)
In my opinion it looks realistic and with some paint it should look even better. I came up with this technique a while ago and couldn't find an application for it, but fortunately a few days ago the "moss idea" smacked me in the face and so here I am.

If you like and would like to know how it was made, feel free to ask I will try to answer all the questions or even write a small how to:)

As usual any and all comments/suggestions/ideas are more than welcome.

Take care,

dsc.

Looks good Tom, what did you use? for this I usually just use white glue and WS turf. cheers Kevin

Please tell us your secret Tom

It looks very effective , how did you create it ?????


Ian

ola Tom it looks good

It looks very good, very realistic. Just a touch of paint as you said.

I would love for you to do a How To Feature. I'd add it to the content area.

I'm guessing a little "Concrete textured spackle", painted onto the surface of the pebble..... Premixed rought texture spackle is availalbe at home depot and other DIY stores. It is basically the consistancy of spackle with sand embedded.

???

Okay Tom, spit it out.....no secrets.

It does look very good...I'm looking at a dio that'll be placed in the Summer or Fall (hate trying to do snow, so no Winter) in the ETO....I can see a very good use of the moss...walls, bridge, me if I don't get my butt in gear....et cetera.

Keep us posted.

Mike

stop keeping me in suspenders!
I think Mr Magee is on the right track...
Cheers
Brad

Come on Tom. Don't be like that and tell us the secret, PLEASE.

Ola

I won't tell you!!!
... nah, I'm joking, of course I will share it would you guys. You are always so helpful, so I couldn't show it to you and then keep it as a secret:)

No Keith and Bradley it's not spackle:)
It's not turf, it's not flock, it's not fine sand.

I hear you all saying: "stop messing around and tell as what it is!!"

Ok here it is: it's plasticine.

Didn't even think about that, did ya?? I hear you again: "But wait a minute, it can't be plasticine, it has such a cool texture"

Well it is plasticine, but to make it look like this you need one more thing: a toothbrush.

Yeah, yeah I know: "What am I suppose to do with some plasticine and a stupid toothbrush?? It just doesn't fit together". Yes it does:)

Ok enough silly jokes, here's the description:

- take some plasticine and cover the place you want your moss to appear on with it. Don't use much, as it will look unnatural, also try to "smear" it on the surface a bit to make it more realistic (moss's shape is usually something more than just an oval).

- take your toothbrush (your old one, not the one that is actualy in use:) ) and hold it by the end of the handle. Dab it's bristles against the surface of the plasticine. This should create a lot of hollows and small holes which makes the whole thing look like moss.

- the thinner the bristles the more realistic look you will get, you can also use a normal big brush and dab it's bristles against the surface, or use thicker bristles to create bigger holes and hollows, but you should use the thin bristle brush after that to correct any mistakes made with the bigger one.

I hope this makes sense:) If not ask away:) I will try to help you.

It's cool cause it takes only a few minutes to create and looks very nice.

There is one BUT, you need to find a modelling clay that is soft enough to take the dabbing, and dries rock hard, as plasticine is too soft to take normal usage. Even a simple touch can change it's shape, and your work will get ruined.
You can try sculpey, miliput or something else. I'm not sure what cause I'm still looking for it myself.

So what do you think might work??

Thanks for all the replies, I'm glad you like it:)

Scott: I will try to write it, but I really don't have time right know, I might find some free time in the beggining of the upcoming year.

cheers,
dsc.

The simpliest ideas are the best.
What about painting plasticine? Have you tried that? I'm afraid that paint would peel off or even won't to hold plasticine at all, because it contains oil.

I tried painting plasticine before and it wasn't so bad. The main reason for not using it is it's softness, it changes shape very easily which destroyes the whole look, details, painting and everything else.

cheers,
dsc.

Simple and effective technique, thanks for sharing.

Regards.
Cagin

dsc - whenever you get a chance to write the feature is fine.