BASES & TEXTURES

by Larry Goldman

THE PERIODIC TABLE LISTS more than 100 base elements that make up our planet. The first time I heard of it was the day I walked into science class. When we were all seated, and the teacher went to what looked like a long window shade hanging in front of the room. He pulled it down to reveal a huge chart. "This is the periodic table of base elements," he said, "and by the end of this term, you will all have it memorized!" As the teacher’s words echoed in the silent room, panic instantly enveloped every student present. If any of you have had a similar experience, don’t let the title of this article panic you. Other than the fact that everything we come in daily contact with contains one or more base elements, this article deals with the elements used in the creation of bases used to display mounts, carvings and various other objects, so sit back, relax, and continue reading.

As you undoubtedly know from observation and experience, the vast majority of bases are made from wood. Why wood? Because wood is readily available, comparatively inexpensive, easily worked or left natural, comes in many different colors and grains, and it will accept a variety of finishes. Wood is a wonderful material, and can do much to add beauty to whatever is displayed on or in it. This said, I suggest, that you don’t limit yourself only to wood when you need a base to display an object.

Stone, like wood, can be used to make beautiful and distinctive bases. It even provides more of a variety of colors and textures than wood, but the use of stone has a number of drawbacks, first and foremost among them is its difficulty to work and it’s weight. The solution is to use artificial stone

Many of you reading this have been able to create some very realistic artificial rock bases, using a variety of lighter weight materials such as wood, foam, and hollow casts that you painted and/or textured. Rarely, however, have I seen or heard of anyone trying to create a base that looks like polished marble, so here’s how!

Just about any material and shape you want for your base can be made to look like polished marble. If the material you plan on using is porous, like wood, it’s advisable to start out by first...

...Continued in the Summer 2003 Issue of Breakthrough.

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