How To Create a Rock Base

Construct a wooden frame using plywood and 2 x 4's. It can be either geometrically shaped or irregular. Usually an irregular shape works better with the look of rocks. Make sure the plywood is stable by securing 2 x 2's to the underside of the frame. Cutting out access holes under the support frames for the mount, allowing you easy access when securing your mount to the base and easy detachment for transporting the mount.

	Attach random blocks of a good dense foam to the frame using latex caulk adhesive and screws. The foam will create the general shape of your base.

	Using a Sawzall and a large knife, carve the foam into various rock shapes. It can be smooth or jagged, use your imagination. Save any large chunks of foam you may cut for use as individual rocks later.

	Apply paper mache to the foam, covering the entire surface. (Be sure to keep the holes clear where the mount will insert into the base). Also, apply mache to the individual foam pieces you saved. Once the foam is covered, go back and smooth out the rough spots by running a wet hand over the rock surfaces.

Dilute jet black Hydro-Mist paint with water until it is very thin. Using an airbrush at 35 psi, apply the paint to the rock. The "trick" with rock painting is to apply the paint before the mache is dry and while holding the brush about 3-inches away from the rock surface. The air pressure will "push" the diluted paint into the cracks and crevices while allowing the smooth surface to remain only lightly stained. As the mache dries, you will see that various tones and colors have been created with this technique.

After the rock is painted and dry, apply habitat material such as moss, dried flowers, dirt and the individual mache rocks (which you created earlier) to the surface. Elmer's glue, hot glue or an instant type of glue will work well for this. (Hint: Moss at the feet of the mount helps hide the holes and any mismatch that may occur with the base.) Once everything is where you want it, spray the entire surface with a clear matte finish spray. This will inhibit the paint from scratching and help hold everything in place.

	The finished product will compliment your mount as well as put it in an appealing natural setting. Best of all, this can be done quickly and easily.