Organic basing materials?

[emopainterguy]

Ok, so I\'m working on a semi-secret project right now and I came across some craft moss that I have incorporated into the base of my miniature. The moss isn\'t synthetic its the real deal, just dried out. Now I\'ve coated it with glue, and it will be painted and sealed again, I\'m now wondering if there is anyone who would know if the moss will break off or fall apart later.

To further add to the discussion, does anyone use other organic materials in their basing? I had thought of coffee grounds for dirt instead of sand, but wasn\'t sure what would happen to them in the future... I know people use twigs and what not for trees, and they seem to hold up well. I\'ve used dried scales from a female birch cone to represent leaves and for the most part those have held up fine. I\'ve heard of people using oregano and other spices for basing as well. Any information on what does and doesnt work would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PegaZus]

I think that the moss will break off if not handled with care. So, its probably okay with displays, but not for gaming.

I would wager that anything that\'s properly dried will be okay. It may fade over time, as I\'ve heard, but if you\'re painting over it I would think it would do fine.

 

[MathewBaich]

when I can find small roots, I\'ll pull those up and use them as bare trees and such. A little trick I got from the figurine-tv website.

 

[freakinacage]

i really keep looking out for roots now! gotta use one soon for something (buggered if i know what though!)

cork, slate and sand are probably too obvious but i shall name them anyway

 

[generulpoleaxe]

any plant can be used as long as it looks in scale.
just remember to seal it and paint it.

your imagination is your limit.

 

[donga666]

Add a tiny spot of Detergant to you sealer to stop it rotting. It also has the advantage of breaking the surface tention and coats better in all the nooks and crannies.

I seal with a very watered down mix if PVA (white glue), water and Detergant (TINY spot). Then leave in a warm place overnight (sat on computer monitors works wonders).

 

[Undave]

Teabags are a great source of cheap leaf litter. I like PG Tipps best. Plus they have the added effect of making your minis smell fantastic

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by emopainterguy
The moss isn\'t synthetic its the real deal, just dried out.

Moss or lichen?

Originally posted by emopainterguy
To further add to the discussion, does anyone use other organic materials in their basing? I had thought of coffee grounds for dirt instead of sand, but wasn\'t sure what would happen to them in the future...

Why not just stick with sifted sand? With a blob of glue, a little paint and the right grade you\'ve got perfect scale mud/dirt/sand or whatever with no potential worries. The only thing I don\'t like about it is that it scratches my mixing knife but hey, nothing\'s perfect

Einion