[Woodcarver] Carvingjack and the Sandman ...

[Woodcraft Shop]

OK, Bill.  Here's my question to help get the list back to carving questions.  
I'm working on some birds for a show later this month and I need to create some
habitat.  I want to have a sandy shoreline to display some decorative
shorebirds.  How do list members create the effect of sand in a habitat? Thanks
in advance for any and all ideas.
Carvingjack Miller

Hi CarvingJack,

When we've had Bob Guge, the "Houdini of Habitat", teaching here, he uses
Durham's Rock Hard Putty to make sand, pebbles and rocks.  It is a powder that
comes in a 1lb or a 4lb can and can be found in most hardware and/or paint
stores.

He will put some into a container, like a margarine tub, then start adding water
while shaking the container to get the water to combine with the powder.  The
texture of the sand and/or pebbles depends on how much water is added.  It is
something you need to play with.  

You can make all sorts of different rocks with the Durham's also.  He even adds
color to the rocks with acrylic paints.  Many times he has fooled students by
having them pick out the real rock vs. his made rock.



Larry (BIG DOG) Yudis
The Woodcraft Shop
2724 State St
Bettendorf, IA 52722
800-397-2278
www.thewoodcraftshop.com

Carol and Larry Yudis, Show Chairs
International Woodcarvers Congress
Affiliated Wood Carvers, Ltd.
PO Box 104
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-359-9684 (days)
563-355-3787 (evenings)
www.awcltd.org