Mini De-Lights

At each meeting we make a miniature project.  The teachers of these projects have kindly let us publish the instructions and step-by-step photos on our website.

This delightful little pond would make an excellent addition to any house, or you could use it as a scene on it's own.  You can make it ornamental or a wildlife pond - the options are endless.

 It's a very simple project and doesn't need many specialist materials.  All the materials for this project could be bought at any local craft store.

Step 1 - Forming your Pond:

You will need a wooden base for your pond, this can be any size or space - use whatever works best for you. 

To form the pond shape it is best to use air drying clay.  You can get this at most craft stores.  In this case we used the 'Model Magic' childrens clay.  Again you can shape the pond to any size you want.  Just be sure to have an even lip around the edge, and no holes in the clay.

Once you are happy with the shape you cover the mold with aluminum foil.  Again becare not to make any holes in the foil or clay.  Bring the foil up over the lip and trim neatly around the outside edge. 

Step 2 - Adding Texture:

 It's now time to add texture to the bottom of the pond.  You do this using regular acrylic paints.  Dry brush (using very little paint on your brush) black onto the bottom of your pond.  You want to be able to see your brush lines - it needs to look like ripples of water.  You can also add other colors, such as dark green to add an algae look to the pond. It depends what sort of pond you are making - hopefully a well loved ornamental pond won't have any algae in it!  You can proceed to the next step while the paint dries.

Step 3 - Adding Grass:

 This step is a bit messy, but worth taking your time over for the best results.  You will need some Tacky Glue - any type will do.  It's best touse the white glue instead of the clear, that way you will be able to see where you have put the glue.

Spread a thick layer of glue ALL over your wooden base.  It's also useful to put glue on the outer sides of your pond - but NOT inside, or inside the rim.  Make sure that the base is totally covered in glue, any spots left bare, will show up once you are finished.  You might want to paint your wooden base green before you do this step, if you are worried about bald spots!

Now you can add the grass.  In this case we used miniature railraod grass, but any type will do.  We used fine grass.  Sprinkle it all over the base and pond.  Make sure you cover everywhere - again you want to avoid bald spots!  Shake off the excess onto your newspaper (you can then pour it back into your container to use again).  And reapply if necessary.  You can also apply more glue to areas that aren't sticking.

Now it's best to leave it to dry.  Go away, have lunch, have a coffee - whatever you do try not to mess with it!  One small scratch will ruin the look.

Step 4 - Adding Rocks & Moss:

 Once the glue and grass have dried, you can now add the rocks around the edge of your pond.  Depending on what sort of pond you are making will depend upon the rocks, sizes and colors you pick.  In this case we used plain gray pebbles. Using Tacky Glue attach the rocks to the outside rim of your pond.  Make sure you cover all the foil, and take the rocks to the upper edge. Use different sized rocks mixed together to get a more natural look, or use uniform rocks for a more ornamental look.

Once you have finished appling all the rocks it is best to let it

dry for a little while.  They can be a little unstable until they are glued into place.

 Once your rocks are in place you can add a bit of interest to the pond with moss. We used railroad scenery in 2 different shades of green.  Tear the

greenery into small pieces and glue in between the rocks.  Make it look as aged as you like.  You can create little bushes by adding more in some places.

Step 5 - Adding Water.

Now you are ready to add the water to your pond.  The best product to use for this is the resin water used in silk flower arrangements.  You can buy this at most craft stores.  'Scenic Water' is the brand we used.  It is a 2 part epoxy, that you mix together.  Please follow the directions on the packaging and work carefully! 

Pour your 'water' into your pond, fill it just up to the top of the rim.  Try not to over fill it, or the water will leak out and spoil your grass (although it can then look like dew). Follow the directions for drying time - but most take at least 24 hours to dry.

Once your 'water' has partly dried you can then add items into your pond if you desire - goldfish, lily pads, water plants etc.

Step 6 - Finishing Touches:

Once your water is completely dry, you can then set about adding finishing touches to your project.  This is the fun part!  Add trees, flowers, animals, objects - whatever takes your fancy!

(In this photo you can see where the Scenic Water leaked over the edge.  It gives a wet dew look to the rocks and grass.)

 Now you can sit back and enjoy your work.  And the best thing about a miniature garden is that you don't need to weed it!