First timer

For long grass, the seed tassles of pompass grass works good for rice. Or you could cut cisal rope or twine up and use it. Paint it and you have the rice stalks.

If the paddies are wet you can simulate rotar wash by taking a small paint spatula or piece of styrene and use it to "pick" up the hardening resin or whatever you are going to use for water. As it sets it will be tacky and still form a ridge if you stipple it or use an old stiff brush. (PRACTICE THIS FIRST BEFORE DOING IT ON YOUR DIORAMA) you want to get a feel for when its the right consistency or a hand or method that gives you the best result. But it looks awsome once done. Since paddy water is really an open sewer, you can use just about anything that will make water. gesso, acrylic modeling paste, wall board compound, what ever. Its all brown stinky water.

The causeways surrounding the paddys can be made with a strip of foam glued to your base and then covered with a thin layer of celuclay. (If you use the resin, be sure that the foam is covered with the celuclay, it may react with the particular resin you use)

Hudson & Allen also makes some nice stuff. You can find them at almost any online hobby store. I suggest www.discountmodels.com . send them an e-mail since they don't list H & A on the site itself. He does carry their products though. for grass I would suggest their Tall Grass. Its very realistic.

Of course you could just cut up a hair paint brush, one of the big ones you use for your house that is. just paint it and that could look good too.

James,

Woodland Scenics has a wide array of grasses and foliage for dioramas and it is quality stuff. The base can be almost anthing you want. I tend to lean toward styrofoam of the type used to insulate houses. Just about anyting can be used. If you use plywood be sure to seal the grain first so that any water based things you might use won't cause it to delaminate. Look through some of the items here in this forum regarding bases as there are some real good ideas.

Good luck,
Richard