[makenchips]

Does anybody know how to create artificial water and ice for a carving scenery? I have seen pictures in chip chats and from carving shows where it has been used but can not find anything on the subject. Any input would be appreciated.

[Shimmy]

Do you mean by painting it? ???

Hi there, I will try to help. I am sure some of the fish carvers can help and
some of those carvers that do habitats for animals could provide input.
I will throw these thoughts at you from a military modeling point of view.
The same principles apply, however. I do not have much need for this in carving
as I do caricatures and this doesn't surface as a need too often.

The main thought is CASTING RESIN applied over painted landscape. Â*Gloss varnish
over a bottom or water's edge will denote wetness but semi-gloss can indicate
dampness. It will be necessary to add hardener exactly according to the
recommended ratio by the manufacturer. You can build up depth by adding a
layer at a time. Let each previous layer dry first and then keep the thickness
per layer to no more than 1/4'. Tilt the base for an uneven surface. Â*If you
want ripples, blow dry the final layer with a hair dryer until it firms up.
The base into which the resin is poured must be impervious. Protect the
layers from dust while drying so it isn't cloudy or dirty looking. You can paint with oils
some blue and green washes on the deeper layers to give the illusion of depth. This can
simulate muddy bottoms and algae. Put the color on the dry surface and then put on another
layer. Â*You can put some sand and pebbles down first and then the resin if you have a shallow
stream or river. Â*The deeper the water the more intense the color for darkness. Â*Use the greens and blues
for these effects. Â*Shading and mixing of colors will simulate nature rather than using them straight out of the tube .
I hope this is what you were wanting. Â*The last time I used these techniques my daughter
and I did a scale model of Iwo Jima. My Dad is a USMC that fought on that island. Â*Little
side light why that project came about. Â*I hope have helped you.

Try West System Epoxy. Be careful when useing large amounts, epoxy resins generate a lot of heat when curing. Its very simple to use, as no odor, but is a little exspensive.

[makenchips]

Shimmy: I was more interested in the 3-dimensional approach but if you have any good suggestions on a way to paint what I am looking for please post-it. Â*I can use all the help I can get.

Tony: Thanks for your post. Â*This sounds like the approach I was looking for. Â*Is casting resin very runny like water or does it have a thicker consistency like syrup? Â*To enlighten everyone reading this, my vision is to take my black-capped chickadee and perch it on a branch that has ice melting off it.
In the future I plan on doing a fish breaking the water after a mayflie. Â*That is why I asked the question about the water as well.
I have seen in chip chats and at a few shows people who have done a fish scene where the water is above the fish on a flat plane designating the water surface. Â*Hard to explain but if you've seen it you would understand.
Thanks for your input I will experiment with it and see if it works.
If anybody else has any suggestions please let me know. Â* 8) 8)

Hi again,
It is thicker than water and will harden up and become more viscous once the hardener is added.
As woodbutcher said it is more expensive but it is worth it. Â*You really do get what you pay for something.
The generation of the heat is a chemical reaction that is taking place and for what its worth this is called an exothermic reaction. Â*Does Viagra cause such a reaction? Â*Just kidding.......

Here are some ideas for icicles. Â*Take a wood strip and secure it in a vise and leave it there. Â*On the underside touch the surface with small spots of white glue. Let them dry for around 15 minutes. Â*Then take polystyrene cement straight from the tube. Â*Let a small amount come out touching it to the drying white glue spots. Let it drape downwards forming a stalactite. Â*Remember that from school days past. Â*Stalagmite projects from the bottom upwards. Â*Ok back to our make-shift icicle. Â*You can enlarge them but brushing successive layers of polystyrene cement onto the surface but let each layer dry before applying the next. Â*Let them finally dry and cut them off the wood when ready for use with a thin blade like X Acto. Â*You can glue them to your branch. Â*There you have it.

Maybe this has brought a chuckle, recollected some memories of school, and encouraged you to tackle your project. Â*Best of luck.

[Captain_Bandaid]

??? I have a question regarding the use of plastic resins on habitat. If you are in a Juried Competition, will the use of a non-wood item on your carving disqualify you?

Captain, I cannot answer that question. I enter one carving into competition a year and never used the resin in it.
Your question is a valid one. The bottom line for me is to artistically please myself.

Check out some of the taxidermy catalogs. They have good info on making splashing water and the material to use for it. WASCO is one catalog I use, I can't remember the other. An internet search will give you lots of info as well. Look for articles on making habitat.

Very interesting subject. I hope someone comes up with a web site where we can go to learn more. If so, please post. I always wanted to carve a fish that was jumping out of the water.