Is masking tape the modern papier-mache? Part Three

Here are a few examples of the completed, based and painted palm trees as promised. The picture below shows a base of a couple of trees.

Another shot of the two tree base with an unbased building to give an idea of scale.

This is a picture of all the different palm tree bits I've made so far. I have a few ideas for more to keep each one a bit individual.

The group of trees that featured in the first two parts of this item.

This is a dead palm tree. Basically it's just a small garden variety twig wrapped in masking tape then painted. Masking tape covered one end creating a nice bump as if the earth has been pulled up when the tree fell. The bumps are just small stones glued to the base then covered in the usual way.

You will notice that there are no leaves/fronds, this is because the locals have already nicked 'em to make fencing. Honest, thats what they do with them to keep the desert back in the same way we build sea walls. (Here's the photographic evidence taken by yours truly from the edge of the Sahara in Tunisia).

Now before you go around poo-pooing the whole idea as cheap and nasty, don't forget that these are only meant as a wargaming representation, not as a precise copy. After all, even without the headings I'm sure that anyone could have recognized them for what they are. I suppose for more leaves you could use finer wire (same place and price but obviously a lot more length for your dosh -don't even think about it- the only problem is that when you need quite a few to make it look aesthetically pleasant, less work is definitely the order of the day. I envisage about 25 -30 of the little bu**ers should look alright.

Is masking tape the modern papier-mache? Part Two

8. You will no doubt notice that there is a gap at the top where all the wires are visible. Fear not! Cut a small tuft of sisal string and glue it in, making sure that you cover all the wires. This represents the new growth.

9 and 10. Now is the time to paint your trees. I used khaki for the bark, dry-brushed with khaki-grey and a light brown. The stems, leaves and tufts are painted dark green and dry-brushed with a lighter green.This photo shows the trees with the 'roots bent out so that the whole thing can be glued down. Bend the trunks slightly for a bit of variation.

11. As you can see, I missed out a step. Using a hot-glue gun -one of my favourite wargaming aids- glue the ends of the roots securely down to the base. Once that has set, using masking tape, cover the whole of the root system like you would with papier-mache, (ask a parent or older person if you don't know what papier-mache is).

12 and 13. These are close-up pictures -one slightly blurred, I know, sorry about that- of the base, showing how the wires covered with masking tape actually create small depressions and ridges, breaking up the otherwise flat uniformity. Don't worry about any visible folds in the masking tape, either cover it with another piece or gloop more PVA and sand onto the base.


14. Finally, a picture of the whole base with some small rocks added for effect. When I get a chance, I will post some piccies of the completed article.

PS Sorry about the picture/script ratio, still haven't completely figured it out.

Keep yer bristles damp.

Mick.

Is masking tape the modern papier-mache? Part One

Now, a few posts ago I showed you some buildings wot I had made. The other day I thought I could run through the construction process for anyone who wants to know how simple it is. But at the time I was having a go at making some 15mm palm trees so here is a pictorial tutorial on the way I make them instead. (The building piccies will happen, I promise). 

1. Using medium sized coated gardening wire on a roll (£2.99 from Homebase) cut out between 6 and 9 relatively even lengths. Accuracy is not crucial at this point.

2. Lay out a strip of masking tape with the sticky side up and secure at each end with thin strips of the same. Lay out the wires with the ends closer to the bottom, although once again, accuracy is not crucial. Leave gaps between each wire as per photo.  

3. Lay another strip of masking tape, sticky side down, over the first, making sure that the tape sticks in between the wires.
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4. Cut out in between the wires so you basically end up with some square lollipop shapes.

5. Cut each of the squares into spearhead shapes.

6. Holding all of the wires together, wrap masking tape tightly around the stem, starting about 15-20mm from the bottom. (In other words, leave enough to glue down to the base.) Wrap at a slight angle to represent the bark stopping when you reach the bottom of the leaves.

7. Once wrapped, gently prise the leaves apart and bend over in all directions. Do the same with the 'roots'.