making habitat

[Wildbirdcarver]

I'm sorry that I didn't make my original request clear. Let's submit all ideas (materials, techniques, sources for techniques, etc). Those that are going to enter contests will know if they can use it or not. If you are are interested in entering competitions please ask questions if certain things can be used. Most competitions have little different rules.
So in the mean time let the creative juices flow...give ideas and we'll sort it out later.
Idea: Try FLORAL WIRE... that can be purchased from most hobby stores including Walmart...for stems of leaves and vines.
Thanks for all the submissions and let's keep 'em coming!

[torpidhummer]

Someone mentioned before an on line catalog but here goes, Micro-Mark: The Small Tool Specialists, it's one of the best in Gismos,Thing of Ma Jigs, I have ever seen. It has every thing for micro tools known and very good supplies
of ' habitat makers',rocks grass trees,wire twisters for small branches,it's great. I think a new thread regarding habitat sources and no how would be great. Prices are great and you can spend any between $2.00 to a few hundred bucks and "no Ken" I will not buy any more spendy tools without checking a less expensive route".

Oscar

[Blackjaxe]

I've reread the request again and thought that the words "Creating " meant exactly that....in other words.."Not Found Objects". I was going to do a blow by blow photo process of doing a branch with peeling and split bark. I've now have second thoughts about doing this as I'm a bit confused as to where the creating part got thrown to the wolves. Doesn't really matter...I'll sit this one out.

Next time I'll make sure my glasses are not on upside down......LOL

Ken

[Wildbirdcarver]

Blackjaxe, please submit the branch with bark, etc. Please don't "sit this one out". All of us can learn from everyone else. I personally would like to know how you, and everyone else, create items. Any submission may trigger off other ideas and we can all grow together. For instance, I have never used Modge Podge (submitted by Lynn), but I'm very interested in it's possiblities. Keep 'em coming folks. Happy Carving DM

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Mod Podge is just a cheap version of Acrylic Mat Medium. Been using it for the last 40 years.

[Wildbirdcarver]

I didn't know that Mod podge is acrylic matt medium...thanks Lynn.

An easy way to make a leaf (s) is to
1. fold two pieces of brown paper bag together.
2. draw one half of a leaf on the paper with the fold as the center of the leaf.
3. cut out the leaf producing two leaves that are the same.
4. use an adhesive between the leaves (I use Beacons 3 in 1 because it grabs quickly) and insert a 24 gauge wire...that has a flattened end...between the two leaves.
5. using a small ball burning pen make the veins in the leaf
6. seal the paper leaves with your favorite sealer
7. paint to suit. burn in some well placed holes (between the veins...not on a vein) and some nicks on a few edges.
8. attach the open end of the wire to your main vine or branch.
Please add to this technique. Thanks DM

[Nancy-G]

"6. seal the paper leaves with your favorite sealer"
Please, what's your favorite sealer?

"7. paint to suit. burn in some well placed holes (between the veins...not on a vein) and some nicks on a few edges."
You burn AFTER you seal and paint? Can I ask you please to explain?

I have so much to learn ... thanks.

[Wildbirdcarver]

Favorite sealer is Deft sanding and sealer (lacquer) and lacquer thinner 50-50 mixture. just paint it on. Or use Krylon clear spray (Walmart $2.7).

About burning holes, nicks, etc in leaf, I didn't make that clear. I do the veins, burn the holes and edges prior to sealing and painting.

I think any adhesive would work in gluing the two leaves together. The reason to use two leaves is to hide the stem and get it to adher well. The Beacons 3 in 1 really works rapidly so you have to put the stem in asap.

Hope all of this is clear...if not please ask questions. Anyone with a different technique please jump in here. We are all learning. DM

[Nancy-G]

aahhhhhhhh - Thank you.
The only leaves I've made (very few)- I made from very thin brass sheets. That's easy to cut with common scissors and use my power sander to get holes anywhere. BUT I can't find a glue that is truly safe/sturdy enough for attaching the stem.
Again - thank you.

[Wildbirdcarver]

If you are using brass or copper I don't think glue is the answer. Soldering is much better. The following method works for me...to solder.

1. 1. sand the metal parts very well. the stem end that is to be on the leaf has been pounded flat
2. wipe down with lacquer thinner
3. put some solder on the stem, the soldering iron, and the leaf...just a little amount. be sure to add a lot of flux before adding the solder.
4. the solder that works for me is from Radio Shack the 60-40 (.065 diameter...if my memory is correct) the 60 is tin and the more tin in the solder the easier it is to flow.
5. put the parts together securely...I use the triangle fishing weights to keep them together
6. add heat via the soldering iron to the metal...not solder
7. as soon as the solder turns to liquid remove the iron and let the solder cool a few seconds.
8. spray the metal with auto primer before painting the leaf.
9. sand or grind off the excess solder if there is any
10. clean the now made leaf, stem with a little lacquer thinner Happy carving and creating. DM