Sunday, September 7, 2014

The lab is open... Bark 'n Branch


OK boys and girls... the experiments continue.  The idea here was to see if I could take some broken twigs, some bark, as well as some other odds and ends to make a quick base.


What I was hoping for was to get something which looked really nice, but could be executed quickly.  I started the process by using chunks of barks that were various sizes.  I needed to get a bit of an angle on this, so, I propped up the big piece with other smaller bits.


The building process continues.


Aside from super glue, I put in some Vallejo black lava gesso to fill n the gaps.


A branch piece was added.  Normally I would sculpt this, but speed is what I was after in this experiment.  Heck... it's got some pretty nice texture as it is!


Yes, the usual rock and gravel are added.


There was a bit of a gap at the bottom of the tree branch.  I tested out the black lava as a filler, rather than using apoxy sculpt or green stuff.


More filler, rocks and gravel.  This is not just for appearance.  These added substances are also designed to lend more overall strength to the bark, preventing it from flaking off.


I also wanted to add a few additional branches so that the original branch would look bigger.  As you can see, there are now three sizes of branch.


Some Secret Weapon Miniatures skulls are always a nice touch!


Now I just have to wait for everything to dry and set up!


6 comments:

  1. Looks good, as always!
    Is there any difference in the lava vs red oxide?

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    1. The oxide paste is more of a sand mix. The lava is more like obsidion...glassy

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  2. The gesso is something I seem to forget about. Added to my list.

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  3. I didn't even know they made lava gesso. I don't think there has been a single day I've visited your blog and not learned something. Thanks James! Looking forward to the progress works of this base!

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    1. Glad to be of service! They make a ton of different materials. I wish I had them all! :-)

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