Making a lava base step by step

[DrEvilmonki]

I must have done something right because I got a PM asking to describe how I did a lava base. So here goes.

Step one. Get a aquarium ornament of a trunk of wood (helps if you sell that type of thing; but any aquarium shop will have them )

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 2.
Basically hit the thing with something like a hammer (I actually use by big arse pliers) until you get a bit about the size and shape you are after.

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 3.

You will of course notice the flat sides where the bit broke of. These I attack with the edge of a file. Just do a random pattern over the surface.

until you get something looking like this.

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 4.

Now this is vital. Don\'t knock over your toothpicks as you reach for your glue or you will get something like this.

Glue that sucker to a base.

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 5.

Put a layer of putty around your rock.

Then with watever you want to use dapple the patty. I tend to put lots of ho;es with the pointy end; then sort of push it down again with the blade bit so it doesn\'t just look like putty you have pocked holes into.

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 6

Paint it like Klute tells you to

here

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Step 7

Dance a naked jig.

Please note that step 7 is voluntary

lol

 

[Tony Manero]

classically nice and very useful tutorial ^^

 

[Klute]

Hahahaha

I love step 6.

Seriously it makes me warm to my toes knowing I have helped someone.

 

[fat zombie]

could we see the model you made with the lava base?

 

[DrEvilmonki]

No! lol

Actually this is one I just whipped up to show the steps. This is the one the guy saw which he wanted to know how it was done.

It\'s a work in progress.

 

[fat zombie]

Nice. The only problem I can see is that the side of the lava (where I guess that you did the carving off of the smooth side of the bark) looks a bit too chiselled, if you can grasp at my fumbling meaning. I mean that it doesn\'t look very molten, just very hot. It is still quite impressive though.

Could we get some different angles?

 

[Ogrebane]

Is the base got a gloss coating on it or is it the reflection from the light or dies it actually look like that. I only ask cause I know if I try klutes step by step i will end up with a greenish black base.

 

[DrEvilmonki]

Originally posted by Ogrebane
Is the base got a gloss coating on it or is it the reflection from the light or dies it actually look like that. I only ask cause I know if I try klutes step by step i will end up with a greenish black base.

I put a slight coat of Future Floor Wax just on the \"floor\" of the lava.(well Johnsons Klear floor stuff but it\'s the same thing).