Diorama base, where to start

You could use something simple like a tea tray. I go to the local builders merchants where they have very cheap off-cuts of wood, styrene, plasterboard, anything that's reasonably stiff that can support whatever yo want to put ontop. Or like my recent one, it was already made in two pieces and all I had to do was paint it and add a few extra details.

Just two sides and added the base wood and cover it in Evergreen plastic sheet....

I then added a rain water downpipe (Plastic Tube) and some moss round the edges. I covered the base with white glue and sprinkled sand on, and added two plastic sheet shutters to the window. 

I am also new at dioramas so I have several questions.  This YouTube vidrio by Andy helped me realize inwas thinking too much about the base and ground work. 

Hope pe this helps you

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8GGT8-FIvCw

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Thanks, it will be fun trying out these ideas, love to get down one way/source, and then i will be set. 

Try looking at a taxidermy supplier for bases and plaques. You will find potential bases in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials.  Also a great resource for other supplies like blades, adhesives, molding chemicals, paint, airbrush supplies, etc.

Take a look at Van Dykes, McKenzie, Wasco

I just use an old piece of chipboard, i have a load of broken down cupboards and cabinets in the shed. Ifi want it thicker, i add a piece of MDF. Build up with styrofoam if needed, add a baslas surround and then add the terrain.

So yes, you can make them from scratch.

Hello!

What works is to take styrofoam, shape it and then line it on the outside with veneer or thin plywood. This can be cut with strong scissors in a pinch. So basically you get that wooden look without the need for lots of carpenter tools. An example of this technique can be seen on my web page:

http://vietnam.net.pl/M55mod3en.htm

Hope it helps, have a nice day

Paweł

The trophy store, i did not think of that!, good idea

What sort of bases are you trying to make? There are all sorts of mediums to work with to create your groundwork. I have mostly used wall spackle as my starting point. But there is celluclay, plaster of paris, and lord knows what else out there to work with. Have a look at the railroad section of Hobby Lobby or in an railroad hobby shop near you for more ideas for ground work items. 

Yes, Hobby Lobby has some decent unfinished plaques or bases as a starting point. I have used those. The size of a base that you are interested in creating would be helpful in garnering suggestions. Perhaps there is a trophy or awards shop near you that sells items you could use as a base. Or check in a lumber/hardware store for wood that suits your ideas.

Thank you, ya i see the bases at hobby lobby, there more the plaque typ. I was looking for more the thick/higher typ bases. I try to make everything from scratch, but typing this makes me realize that with the bases its not a option, but having to buy them. Leads me to my other base issue. The ground work, i use plaster and joint compound, is this the best material?, 

Some of the best bases I have found are from garage sales.  Artwork in frames where the frame is the goal, or loose frames, old plaques and trophie bases, serving trays made of every kind of material, old small furniture or objects that were used as decorative items on shelves etc.

When you go to a garage sale or thrift store with an eye on looking for odds and ends that would make a great base, things really start to open up.

Also the As Is section at Ikea if one is near you is ideal.  They always have loose shelves, and parts of furniture as well as other items for cheap.  I have even used old floor tile as a base once.

Hobby Lobby has tons of nice wooden plaques.

You can pick up plaques or picture frames for a starting point of your base. Or there are pre made bases out there as well.