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Soldado’s Burrows and Badgers terrain – Part the second! The Mansion of Marneous Blackwick!

Soldado’s Burrows and Badgers terrain – Part the second! The Mansion of Marneous Blackwick!

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Project Blog by soldado

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About the Project

This project started out as me building some terrain for use at home to get my wife and daughter into gaming, now its become a bit of a monster part one (the village of Nutting Hill) went to Salute '19 and because people liked it, it has spawned part 2 "The Mansion of Marneous Blackwick!" Im hoping that I will again be able to take this to Salute for 2020.

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A Bridge to far..?

Tutoring 11
Skill 16
Idea 12
No Comments

After being away for a few days, I got around to making a start building a bridge last night, here the near completed span, once this has dried I’ll build the base then it will need a river to go with it

 

I’ll update this entry as I go along…

A little bit later in the day and here is the base and bridge glued together with the banks added these again are papier mache, once its dried i'll trim the corners out, this should help keep any warping to a minimum (I hope!)A little bit later in the day and here is the base and bridge glued together with the banks added these again are papier mache, once its dried i'll trim the corners out, this should help keep any warping to a minimum (I hope!)
Here are some experimental river sections, or rather the beginnings of them, not sure how these will turn out yet, the weather sucks at the moment so everythings taking an age to dry.Here are some experimental river sections, or rather the beginnings of them, not sure how these will turn out yet, the weather sucks at the moment so everythings taking an age to dry.

A little how to on how I create the river sections

Stick to layers of cardboard to each other the smaller layer ontopStick to layers of cardboard to each other the smaller layer ontop
Attach some coffee stirrers too stiffen and lessen any warpingAttach some coffee stirrers too stiffen and lessen any warping
add the add the "goop" remembering to make sure that all meeting points are a standard dimension.

Allow the “goop” to dry slowly, any attempt to speed the process up either by putting the piece in the sun or in an airing cupboard just means the piece warps more 🙁

I hope this helps..


 

So here are the initial river sections and Bridge all doneSo here are the initial river sections and Bridge all done

Making the papier Mache goop

Tutoring 17
Skill 9
Idea 14
4 Comments

Here is a little guide on how I go about making the papier mache goop, this stuff has made this project possible for me especially as its really cheap to make.

 

Hopefully this is helpful to others with their projects.

So the first bit is to cut up your cardboard into a managable size for your blender, these bits are about 25x 15mm roughly. Beware, a small cardboard box creates a lot of goop, so dont go to nuts here unless you need lots all at once..So the first bit is to cut up your cardboard into a managable size for your blender, these bits are about 25x 15mm roughly. Beware, a small cardboard box creates a lot of goop, so dont go to nuts here unless you need lots all at once..
Soak the cardboard for an hour or 2, it helps I find to use hot water for this partSoak the cardboard for an hour or 2, it helps I find to use hot water for this part
Blend handfuls at a time, do to much and you'll blowup your blender (trust me on this) use 1 part cardboard to 2 parts water in the blender, the more water the easier it will mush up.Blend handfuls at a time, do to much and you'll blowup your blender (trust me on this) use 1 part cardboard to 2 parts water in the blender, the more water the easier it will mush up.

Imagine an image here if you will….

No image of this bit, after you blend it, pour it out into a sieve/ colander/ cheese cloth, whatever you’ve got.

Squeeze out as much water as you can until you end up with fairly solid brickettes.

——————————-

Take the brickettes and break them up by hand then stick it handful by handful through the blender again, this time without water.Take the brickettes and break them up by hand then stick it handful by handful through the blender again, this time without water.
Take the resulting damp mulch and mix in lots of PVA glue until you get a soft paste, its fine to have lumpy bits. I find that storing the mixture in a sandwich/ freezer bag in the fridge means the mixture keeps fine for a few weeks, just let everyone know its not Tuna mayo!. Take the resulting damp mulch and mix in lots of PVA glue until you get a soft paste, its fine to have lumpy bits. I find that storing the mixture in a sandwich/ freezer bag in the fridge means the mixture keeps fine for a few weeks, just let everyone know its not Tuna mayo!.

 

 

So there you have it. That is how I make the goop, apart from soaking the process takes less than an hour all in to make enough to roof about 3 – 4 houses.

Im getting a real "buzz" out if this piece...

Tutoring 7
Skill 14
Idea 13
4 Comments
So at a friends suggestion I have started an apiary, situated behind a sturdy Wattle fence 6 hives sit on their sheltered tables and the apiarists covered cart is ready haul the honey to market.So at a friends suggestion I have started an apiary, situated behind a sturdy Wattle fence 6 hives sit on their sheltered tables and the apiarists covered cart is ready haul the honey to market.

The fence was made by drilling holes in coffee stirrers and supergluing cocktail sticks in, once the four sections were glued into place on a base, I wove brown garden string inbetween. Painting the string in PVA once it was in place.

The tables are simply coffee stirrers (what else 🙂 ) assembled with hotglue. Same with the little cart.

The hives are the usual brown cardboard goop.

A couple of days for the hives to dry and then I can start painting it all.

A couple of shots showing the scale

So the Apiary is done as are the final river sections.So the Apiary is done as are the final river sections.

And some figures to actually play with...

Tutoring 4
Skill 12
Idea 7
2 Comments

Some figures some painted a couple of years ago for a frostgrave campaign with snowy bases

 

 

And some more recent efforts

And 2 more, needed for an upcoming game...And 2 more, needed for an upcoming game...

An idea begins to form - TREEHOUSES!

Tutoring 10
Skill 8
Idea 10
2 Comments

So on the drive to work this morning, my brain started turning over a couple of things, a really nice project on creating giant trees:

Truncated Trees Tutorial

And the forest hideout from Robin Hood – Prince of thieves

so instead of actually working I started drawing out the initial ideas…

Im no artist so bear with me here, im unlikely to use the same method of building the trunk as @sotf but will have to see if my foamcore structure idea will support the platforms and minis once constructed, fingers crossed.Im no artist so bear with me here, im unlikely to use the same method of building the trunk as @sotf but will have to see if my foamcore structure idea will support the platforms and minis once constructed, fingers crossed.
So Stage 1:So Stage 1:

I have created my tree form from strips of foamcore hot glued so that they form a cross in profile. then stuck this at a suitably rakish angle to an old CD. I’ve added a heavy washer at the rear of the tree to provide a counter balance.

then at a random height I have skewered the form with 3 planks, these will form the supports for the platform, I have then added more coffee stirrer support to act as forms for branches.

More supports were added after the picture was taken…

Step 2:Step 2:

Here we begin added the brown goop to the roots and branches, I’m gonna let these dry before adding more for 2 reasons:

1: Its heavy at this point and I dont want to break the form while manhandling it.

2: I’ve run out of goop 🙁 silly boy.

So I made some more goop and finished off the tree, now its gonna be waiting for it to dry so I'll get on and build a couple more as Im happy with how this bit works.So I made some more goop and finished off the tree, now its gonna be waiting for it to dry so I'll get on and build a couple more as Im happy with how this bit works.
4 more armatures started4 more armatures started
I found I was using way to much goop so started filling the gaps with waste paper them laying the goop over the top.I found I was using way to much goop so started filling the gaps with waste paper them laying the goop over the top.
The trees have finished drying, now I'll follow @sotf's tutorial, ie make the bark channels and then cover in a layer of tissue paper, but that will have to wait :(The trees have finished drying, now I'll follow @sotf's tutorial, ie make the bark channels and then cover in a layer of tissue paper, but that will have to wait :(

Project going on hold...

Tutoring 4
Skill 4
Idea 4
No Comments

Dnag nabit and thundering tarnations…!

 

Real life has kind of got in the way and Im having to move house and other annoyances, so this project goes on hold while that happens.

 

But One last painted mini before everything starts getting boxed up and lost tidied up.

Oathsworns Peregrin Falcon, sorry its shiny but my matt spray ran out, no point buying more in until were sorted at the new place.Oathsworns Peregrin Falcon, sorry its shiny but my matt spray ran out, no point buying more in until were sorted at the new place.
The trees are as they are, all dried, lightweight and stable, ready for the next stage.The trees are as they are, all dried, lightweight and stable, ready for the next stage.

So on hold we go, back soonish I hope.

Hedging my bets...

Tutoring 6
Skill 8
Idea 8
2 Comments

So back to it I think..

 

Time to revisit the hedges, Im not overly fond of what I was doing before so I sat back decided that I’d try a different way.

Tongue depressors and scouring pads to the rescue….


 

Some initial trials The gate is made from square bamboo rods I got from a shop called Some initial trials The gate is made from square bamboo rods I got from a shop called "The Range" in their craft section, worth a look if theres one near you.
And a small test section as I wanted the hedge to be a bit fluffier than the scouring pads allowed for so Ive added some foam flock soaked in PVA. Once its dried I'll paint it all brown then greenify it to a more natural set of colours.And a small test section as I wanted the hedge to be a bit fluffier than the scouring pads allowed for so Ive added some foam flock soaked in PVA. Once its dried I'll paint it all brown then greenify it to a more natural set of colours.

And the results are in.....

Tutoring 8
Skill 8
Idea 6
No Comments
I think it works quite well, certainly better than the last versions. sorry for the rubbish lighting I think it works quite well, certainly better than the last versions. sorry for the rubbish lighting

What follows is a little how to, its not exhaustive, if youd like more detail on something, drop me a comment and I’ll get back to you.


 

Basic ingredients, tongue depressors, coffe stirrers, scouring pads and square bamboo rodBasic ingredients, tongue depressors, coffe stirrers, scouring pads and square bamboo rod
with super glue stick a coffee stirrer to eac side of one edge of a tongue depressor, glue that edge to another TD gining you a stable foundation.with super glue stick a coffee stirrer to eac side of one edge of a tongue depressor, glue that edge to another TD gining you a stable foundation.
the scouring pads I have are 10cm wide and almost exactly the same length as the TDs (sheer luck) cut the SP in half so that you have 2 5cm wide sections, using hot glue attach to your foundation, BOOM! basic form done.the scouring pads I have are 10cm wide and almost exactly the same length as the TDs (sheer luck) cut the SP in half so that you have 2 5cm wide sections, using hot glue attach to your foundation, BOOM! basic form done.
3 different types, back, basic solid hedge, middle a broken through section (man that badger was miffed!), front a gateway section sans gate.3 different types, back, basic solid hedge, middle a broken through section (man that badger was miffed!), front a gateway section sans gate.
how they look togetherhow they look together
add some filler to make the ground, I use poundshop pre mixed stuff, cheap and cheerless...add some filler to make the ground, I use poundshop pre mixed stuff, cheap and cheerless...
Test section, I glued some foam flock stuff using PVA onto the section to give it a less uniform appearance.Test section, I glued some foam flock stuff using PVA onto the section to give it a less uniform appearance.
and other sections have the same treatment.and other sections have the same treatment.
break out the burnt umber, I buy the artist acrylics from the works and thin it down with Klear floor wax, sounds weird works great, it even goes through an airbrush.break out the burnt umber, I buy the artist acrylics from the works and thin it down with Klear floor wax, sounds weird works great, it even goes through an airbrush.
so here is the test section finished by drybrushing different shades of green and adding some fine flock around the base of the foundation, sorry for the rubbish lighting but I feel it works rather well, certainly better than the last versionsso here is the test section finished by drybrushing different shades of green and adding some fine flock around the base of the foundation, sorry for the rubbish lighting but I feel it works rather well, certainly better than the last versions

A bird in the bush .....

Tutoring 4
Skill 7
Idea 5
No Comments
So after managing to find the time to progress the rest of the hedge sections I decided plain green wasnt interesting enough, so I added some coarse Red Flock to represent berries etc.So after managing to find the time to progress the rest of the hedge sections I decided plain green wasnt interesting enough, so I added some coarse Red Flock to represent berries etc.
And how it looks with one of the housesAnd how it looks with one of the houses
I even managed to find time to paint two more minis :DI even managed to find time to paint two more minis :D

Well, well, well...

Tutoring 7
Skill 7
Idea 6
No Comments

On one of Oathsworn’s KS they offered an “arcane circle”, a lovely piece that had 3 inserts, one had runes, another was bubbling liquid and the third was an altar. very nice, but not a lot of use to me (except in pulp games). Now I want to use the circle as the village center piece (think of it as a roundabout outside the inn) but with the above inserts still not a lot of use so I decided to make a well…


 

So initial build, I made a circle of milliput the right diameter and textured it and created the flag stones, then while still wet I placed the well wall form (an old bottle cap) and the coffee stirrer uprights.So initial build, I made a circle of milliput the right diameter and textured it and created the flag stones, then while still wet I placed the well wall form (an old bottle cap) and the coffee stirrer uprights.
Well walls done, again with milliput, more of the wooden structure done and the roof blank is in place, minis for scale HF figure on the left and Oathsworns Platypus on the right.Well walls done, again with milliput, more of the wooden structure done and the roof blank is in place, minis for scale HF figure on the left and Oathsworns Platypus on the right.
Roof shingles done, slight curve created by using nail clippers, because I couldn't be bothered actually doing shingle curves with a knife :DRoof shingles done, slight curve created by using nail clippers, because I couldn't be bothered actually doing shingle curves with a knife :D

Long way up, short way down....

Tutoring 5
Skill 7
Idea 7
No Comments

Well heres news, my terrain and painted minis will be making an appearance at Salute 2019! yikes….


“The Nutting Hill Job”: The Kings guard are transporting a paychest, they’ve got it, you want it! 3 players must compete to get the paychest off the table, The guard will fight to keep you off!


 

So an initial layout, I might yet replace the ruin and the building next to it with a Blacksmiths/ bakery building.So an initial layout, I might yet replace the ruin and the building next to it with a Blacksmiths/ bakery building.
And the well is completed, which is one less thing on the list of stuff to do for Salute :DAnd the well is completed, which is one less thing on the list of stuff to do for Salute :D

Hammer time, duh duh duh do do....

Tutoring 8
Skill 7
Idea 7
No Comments

So plans for the salute board continue and Im thinking to field one warband as the villagers from the latest KS. 2 of which are a baker and blacksmith, I have neither a bakery nor a smithy so why not make both? or indeed combine them into one piece? so I have (or am as its not finished 🙂 )


 

So all the walls are made, and the display window for the baked goods is added.So all the walls are made, and the display window for the baked goods is added.
Some woodwork added, coffee stirrers naturally :DSome woodwork added, coffee stirrers naturally :D
I have started the forge I have started the forge "form" I will texture this in the same way as I did the well with milliput to create the stone texture. The coal stuff in the pile and the forge is called "foam clay" marketted towards kids but it smells horrendous and my daughter wanted nothing to do with it, so now its mine :D useful for coal or even fruits etc.

Forging on...

Tutoring 11
Skill 9
Idea 11
No Comments

And beating about the bush….

So while I prevaricate on how to do the terrain board itself heres some bushes


 

Heres what we end up withHeres what we end up with
Start by cutting a scouring pad into strips, Ive cut these to be about 10mm wideStart by cutting a scouring pad into strips, Ive cut these to be about 10mm wide
Then cut into not quite squares, the bigger the bushier but over 20mm and theyre awkawrd to keep upright while the glue driesThen cut into not quite squares, the bigger the bushier but over 20mm and theyre awkawrd to keep upright while the glue dries
Tease the squares apart, you'll need about 3 per bushTease the squares apart, you'll need about 3 per bush
Hot glue the 3 bits together and the to a base.Hot glue the 3 bits together and the to a base.
coat in pva and sponge bits, then hang them upside down so that the weight of the PVA doesnt leave them flat, I did this in a box so that anything that dropped off wouldnt make a mess on the floor.coat in pva and sponge bits, then hang them upside down so that the weight of the PVA doesnt leave them flat, I did this in a box so that anything that dropped off wouldnt make a mess on the floor.
Once dry, paint them in the same way we did the hedges and then add some coloured flock.Once dry, paint them in the same way we did the hedges and then add some coloured flock.
And Ive added some stone texture to the forge itself, milliput and a small stone and a carving tool were all that was needed.And Ive added some stone texture to the forge itself, milliput and a small stone and a carving tool were all that was needed.

Buildin on up...

Tutoring 5
Skill 7
Idea 5
No Comments

Progress continuemmms


 

Adding a first floorAdding a first floor
still the first floorstill the first floor
The forge is completeThe forge is complete
But will we be able to see it when the roof is on?But will we be able to see it when the roof is on?

Its going up in smoke!

Tutoring 5
Skill 7
Idea 6
No Comments
So the roof is done, in the same way as the well, but without the rounding provided by the nail clippersSo the roof is done, in the same way as the well, but without the rounding provided by the nail clippers
And onto the chimney, instead of the daub effect for other chimneies in the set, Ive gone for a rickerty stone effect, The form is off cuts of foam board and a milliput skin again textured with a real stone and carved with a sculpting tool.And onto the chimney, instead of the daub effect for other chimneies in the set, Ive gone for a rickerty stone effect, The form is off cuts of foam board and a milliput skin again textured with a real stone and carved with a sculpting tool.
Now all that remains on the cimney is to put some support collars onto it once all the other bits are done.Now all that remains on the cimney is to put some support collars onto it once all the other bits are done.

Hmmm, chocolate...

Tutoring 5
Skill 6
Idea 6
No Comments

well not really..


 

Chimney all doneChimney all done
Forge roof all completeForge roof all complete
And a very chocolatey looking base coatAnd a very chocolatey looking base coat

Its been a while....

Tutoring 7
Skill 8
Idea 7
No Comments

5 weeks give or take…

between xmas and another project taking over this needed to be sidelined, but here we go again.

Sorry, This entry has been edited for typos and putting the correct description below the fotos, really should proof read what I write when Im half asleep 😀

drybrushed the stones a light grey and highlighted random ones to add interest.drybrushed the stones a light grey and highlighted random ones to add interest.
Started adding various coloured inks, Red earth, burnt umber, raw sienna and antelope brown.Started adding various coloured inks, Red earth, burnt umber, raw sienna and antelope brown.
painted the slates, blue, purple and green washes, came out better than i expected :)painted the slates, blue, purple and green washes, came out better than i expected :)
A dark oak varnish covers the whole thing,then dried herbs mixed with pva to create the vines. and then hot glued to a poster board base. The signs were made in Word (other word processors are available) printed out and stuck on with PVA (I cant freehand for diddly)A dark oak varnish covers the whole thing,then dried herbs mixed with pva to create the vines. and then hot glued to a poster board base. The signs were made in Word (other word processors are available) printed out and stuck on with PVA (I cant freehand for diddly)
sand added to the base and painted, hot glue drips added to the vines as fruits.sand added to the base and painted, hot glue drips added to the vines as fruits.

Were baking now!

Tutoring 5
Skill 8
Idea 7
No Comments

So the forge/ bakery is all done…


 

Here it is from the front, just awaiting a baker and a smith oh and the anvil :)Here it is from the front, just awaiting a baker and a smith oh and the anvil :)
and the obligatory gratuitous rear viewand the obligatory gratuitous rear view
and a new bridge or the salute table, for 2 reasons 1 the original is to damn big and 2 it got damaged in the house move, not badly but i dont think its fine for the show also see point 1 and a new bridge or the salute table, for 2 reasons 1 the original is to damn big and 2 it got damaged in the house move, not badly but i dont think its fine for the show also see point 1

Another day and another step closer to..

Tutoring 2
Skill 6
Idea 5
No Comments

..sort of completion.

 

Whats left? well trimming the board edges so they sit neatly, tidying up the edges around the terrain elements so they sit nicely. Then start on the greenery.

Oh yeah and paint the river section!

—————————————————————————

Its done!

Tutoring 4
Skill 10
Idea 10
2 Comments

eh, how’d that happen? so after faffing around for so long, the table came together in such a rush that I didnt realise it was so close until I sat back and thought “what next? Oh, thats it then!”

Nutting Hill is ready for Salute 19, now theres a scary thought 😀

Whats left? well I need a few more minis from the latest kickstarter that Oathsworn ran and the main objective cart. but other than that im good, I can sit back and read the rule book and even get some games in so that I dont look like a real pleb in front of everyone on the day.

A high view of the whole boardA high view of the whole board
A view from the riverA view from the river
It must be market dayIt must be market day
uh oh, here comes the fuzz!uh oh, here comes the fuzz!
Village squareVillage square

Where next?

After salute I may well start expanding the terrain types, theres also the treehouses to finish, ideas of what to build next are always welcome.

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