recessed base with sand and water

[Helen]

I have finished carving and painting a killdeer and want to present it in a base that is recessed (3 1/2 inches) in diameter, that looks like sand and water. I tried "castin' craft" polymer liquid plastic and after 4 days it's still tacky. Is there another way of doing this? glue and sand or something? I see sand and water pictured as habitats, but how do they do it?
thank you

[Hugh]

When I use sand I wash it to clean out any mud that might be in it. Dry it, and then use yellow glue, sprinkle sand, yellow glue sprinkle sand, until you have the desired depth. Hope this helps. Go lightly on the glue.

[bygeorge]

Helen, you can use diluted glue or matte medium. Before applying, mist the sand with a spray of water that you have added a drop or two of detergent (this breaks the surface tension). you can repeat the application until you are satisfied with the results.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

they also use dried coffee grounds I hear.

[Helen]

Thank you so much for your replies. What is "yellow glue". And "matte medium", is that like Elmer's glue and Liquitex? Sorry, I have very limited supplies here.

Thank you,

Helen

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

yep elmers carpenter glue or titebond

[bygeorge]

White or yellow will work for your application. Yellow is typically a carpenters glue while white is used for crafts. Elmers makes both. Yes, Liquitex carries a matte medium. It will cost a little more than the glue.


Chuck

[kaiserb]

If you visit a Hobby shop that sells Model Railroad supplies you can buy a light weight product for making bases etc that looks like sand when dry. Additionally it drys in about 4 hours.

[Helen]

WOW, this is wonderful, thank you so much!!! Will this glue dry clear and look like water?
Helen

[bygeorge]

Helen, no the glue will not work for water but for fixing the sand. To create relistic water you can use a product by Micro-Mark, Item No. 82620 ($13.60) avaliable at their web site.