5 replies to this topic

[chatogaster]

Seems like a regular challenge and something done in many designs, but haven't seen good advice on how to do it.

 

I'd like the surface of the outworld to be covered in sand, and look like regular sand, but the ants shouldn't be able to move it. Ideally the method should also allow for some sort of sculpting of the surface.

 

I'm guessing some of you pour plaster or grout into the outworld, then cover it with sand while it's still wet. How happy are you with this approach? Does the sand cover the surface completely once the loose grains are shaken out? How do you shape the surface, since it's not very shape-able when wet, and you can't use tools afterwards since the sand only covers the surface?

 

Any other ideas? Some kind of sand dough, which would have sand throughout the volume and be sculptable? Sticking the sand to the surface of plaster/grout post-sculpting, with some ant-friendly glue?

 

Any tips very appreciated : )

[drtrmiller]

Simplified explanation:

I use cotton balls as a base, and pour the gypsum stone (fully mixed, creamy, semi-fluid state) on top of that, and quickly use forceps to pull at the cotton to sculpt the desired terrain before adding other decorative elements like pebbles and wood partially embedded in the stone, before finally pouring a variety of particles on top to stick to the surface of the set stone. Then it sets and I pour the loose stuff out and rinse prior to other finishing touches.

The trick I found is to just subtly sculpt the terrain, and use other elements for added depth and embellishment.

With skill and patience, you can achieve something like this:

Edited by drtrmiller, August 5 2017 - 3:38 PM.

[chatogaster]

Ha, I'll try it out - thanks!

 

P.S. And thanks for the byFormica products - I have a full set by now ;)

Edited by chatogaster, August 7 2017 - 1:18 PM.

[AntsArizona]

I recently made several mini Outworlds and working on larger ones. I'm currently using Sanded grout. Once the grout has been poured, i top it with sand and rocks and whatever i want to stick into it. Then I move the outworld around to move the sand around to untouched areas. Once it dries, I just tip it upside down to get the excess out. It's worked for me so far.

[sgheaton]

...You want it?! I'm in a daily battle with my Tetramoriums that I'll wash it off with water and they'll rebuild because I'm not removing the sand yet...

Darn lil buggers have got...like...window shades now. 

[Crash]

What i have done is made a really thin coat of grout and spread it where I want the sand and sprinkled the sand on the wet grout and let it dry. A little surface sand may come off but most with stay and leave a sandy texture