OK Guys as some of you know I have more ideas than actual talent. But never fear as this will be easy and simple because I can do it!! This tut is for making a showbase for under $5 USD and can help portray an image for a small squad.
I entered the April "paint a squad" comp and wanted to make my entry stand out from all others. I wanted to portray a squad of guys in a set environment doing something they are meant to do. RESULT???
DISPLAY BASE!!! I am not going to give my secret out for my entry but I felt it is something I should do right now for anyone wanting to do this for their squad in the comp. so with no further ado.......the $5 showbase!
First what you will need is:
Hot glue gun or some glue to connect parts
foam core or cardboard or heavy cardstock (cardstock used in this demo)
$5 worth of cash!
Step 1
Go to your local Wal Mart or Dollar store and get a cheap picture frame Look for something that is nice and plain or spend more and get a very ornate one. Plain is just fine for this one. I found this in the Walmart clearance rack for $.75 as it was broken. I also got some place bumpers but these are optional.
Broken corner is why it was cheap!!! Fixed it with hot glue and some craft sticks!!!
Step 2
Remove all the parts from the back, unscrewing and pulling apart as ness. All you want is the frame itself not the backing, glass, stand, ECT.
Step 3
You will want to cut your foam board/card/cardboard to close the bottom and top. Measure the dimensions of the bottom and cut a piece to fit. Once the bottoms sealed measure the top part allowing only a very little bit of lip to stick up around the border. Glue into place using whatever glue you choose.
Bottom
Top
Step 4
Now you will want to paint your base. This can be done last but I wanted to do here to give my base a dark color as a base for my detailed paint later on.
Step 5
Plan where you want your minis at and what is going to be on the board pencil in where you want them by tracing the bases. you can then remove the minis and have circles where you have placed your minis at. Now this stage you can add any terrain you wish. Buildings ,ruins, anything
BUT you must ensure not to cover ANY of the circles drawn as this will interfere with your minis!!!
Placement plan
Drawn circle
Step 6
I based this as I would any other base (glue sand and then more glue) but you can do as if you would any of your own bases. your only limit is your imagination!!!
