Miniature versions of things are fun to make.If you have a garden that's missing a pond and can't get the real thing, creating a small pond is a fun and creative way to add some flavor to your landscaping.You can use a variety of materials to make a water simulation.You can create a mini pond that you can be proud of if you follow the correct steps and take the time to design it.
Step 1: Determine the style of your pond.
There are different styles of ponds that you can make.Take into account the aesthetic of your lawn or garden when creating a pond.A frozen winter themed pond is one of the examples of ponds that you can build.A pond that reflects what you want to create can be created once you settle on an idea.Depending on the season or holiday, consider different pond themes.During the autumn you can make a miniature pond with Halloween themed pumpkins and ghosts.You can make a holiday pond with snow.
Step 2: Take a look at the design of the pond.
It's time to start designing the look of your pond once you have a theme in mind.To sketch out a rough design of your pond, use a pencil and paper.The features for the ground around the pond should be added as well.You can begin to build your project once you settle on a design that you like.The shape of the pond needs to be drawn before you can see the rocks, plants, and other features surrounding it.The edges of your pond can be ragged or smooth.If you want to keep it simple, draw an oval pond.
Step 3: Draw your pond design on a piece of styrofoam.
The size of styrofoam depends on how large your pond is.It's time to transfer the image to styrofoam after you've designed the pond on a separate piece of paper.You can copy the design that you created directly onto the styrofoam with a marker.Before moving towards the center of your project, draw the outer edges.A 1x1 feet pond is a great size.You can add special details such as bridges, foliage, fish, trees, pipes, waterfalls, and branches.
Step 4: Cut the outline in half.
To cut around the edges of your pond base, use an X-Acto knife.The base isn't the only thing that will be around the pond.This will be the base for your miniature pond once you finish with the outer edges.
Step 5: Put a hole in the styrofoam for the pond.
To dig around the outlines you created for your pond, use your X-Acto knife.The depth of your pond depends on how deep you cut it.You should leave at least a half of an inch of styrofoam in your hole.If you cut through the styrofoam, the resin won't have a place to go.If you want to add texture to the bottom of the pond, leave jagged edges and cuts.
Step 6: The smaller details should be cut out.
Continue to cut out other details in your pond, such as rocky cliffs or places where the land will dip in.It's important to vary the depth of your land so that your pond doesn't look flat.Adding texture to the landscape around your pond will make it look more realistic.
Step 7: You should cover your styrofoam with plaster.
When pouring styrofoam, a base coat of plaster is needed.Purchase a coat of plaster of Paris from the hardware store and apply it to your base.If there are cracks or places that you missed, you should let the first coat of plaster dry and then apply another coat.Allow the base to dry for a couple of hours or overnight after you lay down your plaster.Sand down rough areas with a rough sandpaper before applying plaster.
Step 8: The plaster base needs to be painted.
Once the plaster has dried on your pond's base, you can start to paint it with craft paint, which can be found at most arts and crafts stores.Basecoats can be laid with a brush for details like the bottom of the pond.Smaller details like fish or animals can be drawn directly onto the plaster base.Pick colors that fit the aesthetic of your pond and stay within your theme.The color of the pond will be determined by the bottom of it.The greens and browns work well with the pond.Light greens and grays work well with a toxic sludge pond.The middle of your pond should be painted a darker shade than the outer edges.
Step 9: There are other details around the pond.
Adding details to your pond will make your model more complex.Miniature fish, lily pads, ducks, rabbits, and other wildlife can be created out of clay.Before heating them in an oven to make the small additions, use a clay to form them.Large rock formations, waterfalls, people, lamp posts, and anything else you can imagine can be added to the other details.
Step 10: Attach your details to the base of the model.
You can add depth to the clay details by painting them.Glue your paint to your pond with gorilla glue or superglue.If you put things into the hole that you gorged for the pond, they will appear as if they are in the water.If you want your details to look like they are floating on water, you'll have to glue them to the surface of your resin.
Step 11: You can decorate your pond with things you find in nature.
You can use things you find in your garden instead of creating clay models of your pond.Glue pebbles, small stones, leaves, or tufts of grass around the outside of your pond by gathering them from your yard.If you are creating a coastal pond, you can use small seashells.
Step 12: It's a good idea to mix your resin.
There are usually two containers with the craft resin and a hardener in them.You will have to mix them together to make a usable substance for your pond.Before mixing the solutions, make sure to read the directions on the packaging.Stir the solutions in the recommended amount for five minutes, or until both chemicals are thoroughly mixed.Don't mix a lot at a time.
Step 13: The pond basin will be filled with the resin.
You can pour the mixture into the spot you made for your pond once it has been mixed.If you don't have enough to fill your pond's basin, mix more in another glass and fill it until you're satisfied.It is possible to remove the bubbles from your pond with a blow-dryer.
Step 14: Allow it to dry.
Allow your project to dry out for 24 hours before you try to move it.Once the pond has dried, you can spot paint and fill in your final details until you are satisfied.