Modelling Technique: Rocky Bases

A popular basing method is Cork bases... using cork to give the impression of rock outcrops, perfect for desert themes!

Firstly, the materials. Many "pound Shops" or Discount Stores do a set of 4 cork placemats for £1! failing that, cork pinboards can be used or any cheap piece of cork.. we will be pulling it apart anyway!
I use some superglue from a pound shop... its a bit liquid for my tastes, but glues solid! woodglue would work just as well.

From here, place your base (any size works the same) on top of the cork. You can use a pencil to give yourself a rough outline or just Guesstimate as i do.
This shows us how much is going to be needed.
Try to avoid the edges as they are usually bevelled smooth.. not fitting for rocks!

This is why cork is alot easier to use than slate or real rocks... it is easy to tear apart. Using either the guide you've made or by guess, tear the cork with your fingers.
It's important that you break the cork as opposed to cutting it, clean edges are not the effect we need!
If you are having trouble tearing the cork, try folding it as in the picture.. this helps break off the peice we need.

Now then, taking the chunk of cork we have torn off, place it ontop of the base to get a better idea of size.
Now you make smaller tears to ensure the cork does not over hang the base.

Here we see the cork peice and the base it's going onto. use your glue over the top of the base, then carefully place the cork ontop so that it does not overhang.

Leave to dry for as long as the glue needs as there is nothing worse than working on a base and destroying what you've done due to impatience!

From here, remove the tab from the bottom of your miniature and be sure to pin it to the base, preferably by both feet!

you can add sand in patches and around the parts ofthe base not covered in cork. You can even break up the smaller pieces you tore off earlier for further rocky effect!

In this example, Whisper has added a cog from a childs toy to emphesise the technological nature of Dirz and added small amounts of sand for a desert effect

With a little practise, you can multistack cork for ridges or even break up the cork further for dynamic bases... you could add snow effects for rocky mountain tops or grass for lowlands.

There are other methods for Rocky Bases, such as using stones and slate .. but i like to keep things as simple as possible!

See you next time!

"Greenstuff" Gav