of Bushes and Shrubs
The bushes were made using small bits of lichen as an armature. I soaked the lichen in black and brown ink.
When they were dry, I made the bushes just like I had made the trees, using the polyfiber, AMSI tree texture foam (the dark blend, this time) and hairspray.
I made even smaller shrubs with the bits I had clipped off the trees. I jammed these into crevices wherever I thought they could logically find good purchase. As I've mentioned already in this article, sometimes I realize things only in hindsight, but here was little foresight to my credit, eh?
Grasses and Debris
The grass is a mix of Woodland Scenics Burnt Grass and Medium Green Static Grass. I glued this in patches, using PVA glue.
I made a few clumps of taller grass using Woodland Scenics Field Grass (Light Green or Spring Green). To make these clumps, cut a clump of the field grass to 1/2 inch or less with a razor blade. Then take a small amount, and twist it into a bunch between your fingers. Carefully place a drop of superglue in the middle of the clump - somehow avoiding your fingers, tweezers, etc. Hold until dry. Cut in half to make two clumps. They can be glued in place by driving a small hole into the base (I used a large sculpting needle) and gluing with PVA glue.
I made leaf debris to place under the trees by dicing oregano and basil with a razor blade. I sprayed with Krylon Crystal Clear varnish to seal them and keep them in place. Then I made another pass with Dullcote to take away the shine.
Pastels
This final step is so easy, but dramatically ups the realism of my terrain. I used a red-brown and yellow-tan chalk pastel. Just shave a little off, and dab on your terrain with an old brush.
Final Gluing
All that was left was to glue the hillside to the base. I used Liquid Nails.