Just as I was falling asleep last night I remembered seeing an idea demonstrated at the COW2005 (the Conference of Wargamers that was held in July 2005 at Knuston Hall, Northamptonshire).
During an 'Ideas Exchange' session, Peter Crawshaw brought along a very low-cost method of making hedges using sawdust and white PVA glue.
The method used was to mix the sawdust in a disposable carton with the PVA glue until it achieved the consistency of a stiff paste. Lumps of the mixture were then taken out of the carton, rolled into rough sausage-shaped pieces to the right length and height, shaped so that the bottom edge was flat, and then placed on a flat surface to dry. The drying process could take several days, but once dry the whole thing was solid and could then be painted.
The example he brought along was painted up as a hedge, but after looking at the unpainted one I am struck by the fact that it could easily have been painted to represent a small hill or rocky outcrop.
During an 'Ideas Exchange' session, Peter Crawshaw brought along a very low-cost method of making hedges using sawdust and white PVA glue.
The method used was to mix the sawdust in a disposable carton with the PVA glue until it achieved the consistency of a stiff paste. Lumps of the mixture were then taken out of the carton, rolled into rough sausage-shaped pieces to the right length and height, shaped so that the bottom edge was flat, and then placed on a flat surface to dry. The drying process could take several days, but once dry the whole thing was solid and could then be painted.
The example he brought along was painted up as a hedge, but after looking at the unpainted one I am struck by the fact that it could easily have been painted to represent a small hill or rocky outcrop.
That really is very good indeed: this is something I'll keep a mental note of. I think that dry-brushing with a more yellowish-green might increase the definition a bit more.
ReplyDeleteAndy,
ReplyDeleteI must admit that I had forgotten all about this method of making hedges or similar small terrain features until I began to doze off last night.
You are right about the definition; a bit more yellow-green would make it stand out more.
All the best,
Bob
Extremely clever! Low-cost, and it looks great!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Bob, would work well with 6mm scale stufff.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Airhead
That is very clever! Thanks for remembering the idea and sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThe best ideas are usually the simplest ones!
ReplyDeleteThe great pity is that I can't claim the credit for it; that lies with Peter Crawshaw who brought it to COW2005.
All the best,
Bob
Could colour (paint or powder) not be added to the mix at the start so it is easier to paint? - you need only drybrush it then.
ReplyDeleteWould do well for 10mm as well. Might try that as an alternative to hedges made from pan scourers.
ReplyDeleteI think that I'd first use a very dark forest green; then "damp brush" with a medium green; and finally dry brush with the light yellow green.
ReplyDeleteOr use more Autumnish colors.
A great idea, Bob. Thanks.
-- Jeff
Hi Bob,
ReplyDeleteAn excellent idea!
I like it better than the plain cardboard "low hills" I was proposing.
And probably lots of fun to make, mixing, shaping, etc. Relive pleasant childhood memories. Just don't eat the paste.
Jim
Ideas spawn ideas which in turn spawn other ideas.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Bob