Sticks and Leaves

ja33 · **Posted:** Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:44 pm

Hi all - I'm finishing up a batch of 20 Mirkwood Rangers along with the plastic Tauriel model, and I needed some advice on finishing off the bases. In addition to my normal base materials of painted sand, static grass and clump foliage, I was thinking about adding some real twigs and leaves to the bases for the Rangers. I have some ground up leaves from my yard, and I also have a few small twigs that I've broken into very small pieces. My questions are - will these items decompose over time and potentially need to be replaced ? And also, would the twigs and/or leaves need to be painted or are they best to be used "right as they are", for a more natural look ?

Any advice would be much appreciated - thanks !

Nevinsrip · **Posted:** Fri Feb 12, 2016 9:21 am

Anything that I use that comes from outside goes right in the microwave to kill whatever critters may reside. Put it on for less than a minute. Don't walk away, as wood and leaves may burst into flames if cooked too long.
Stand there and watch. Probably best to do this when the significant other is
not at home. Again, don't walk away.

Now, soak the twigs in Matte Medium for a few seconds. This will seal them.
Same for the leaves. Place a drop of MM where the leaves will go and plop the leaves down. Let it set a bit then soak the leaves from above with more MM. This will seal them in. Eyedroppers or old dropper bottles work wonders here.
When you're all done, spray with Dulcote, just to lock it all in.

Do this and you'll be fine.

ja33 · **Posted:** Fri Feb 12, 2016 3:08 pm

That's really great info, thanks very much for sharing !

Lord of Edoras · **Posted:** Fri Feb 12, 2016 3:25 pm

I have some minis based with twigs that are over 10 years old and they still look the same, I wouldn't worry too much personally.

As for leaves, got any birch trees in your area? The litter found with the seeds make perfect leaves.

Sticks and Leaves

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