Friday, June 20, 2014

Model scenery & terrain addendum: A couple more unlikely sources for cheap scenery

Browsing the different minis & terrain groups I belong to on Facebook and Google+ reminded me of a couple more relatively cheap options for scenery.

Don't be afraid to browse the aquarium section at your local pet store, walmart type superstore, or even dollar store. While the scale of fish tank decor pieces varies WILDLY, and the pieces are often painted garish neon colors, our handy keychain mini trick and a quick touch up with some model paints could lead to some interesting pieces. This is also a great place to pick up nice sized bags of gravel to spice up a desert or badlands scene, just look for the natural sand colored stuff, or another color that fits your collection (red or black gravel mixed in with the natural stuff could make an interesting volcano or burned out building or mine scene, for example).

Also, hit up your local craft store now and then. Michael's is the big chain, but most decent sized towns have a similar place, and walmart type superstores and dollar stores often carry craft kits too. With a couple dollars worth of toothpicks or popsicle sticks and a cheapo bottle of glue, you can quickly construct your own buildings, fences, mine details, etc. Better yet, you control the scale!

Craft stores also often have a good selection of affordable wooden or plastic model kits, including "old fashioned" wagons, buildings, boats, etc. Just remember to take your keychain mini with you, since these kits usually don't have the precise scale listed on the packaging.

Craft, hobby and superstores are also a good place to pick up decent paints, brushes, "hobby knives" (like Exacto blades or whatever) and other supplies you might want. Although the quality might not be quite that of the "professional" stuff you'll find at game stores or specialty vendors, the prices will be far lower.

Most importantly, get creative!

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