looking to build a base and habitat

[bowanna03]

I found a nice shed last year i was thinking of making a base and habitat for it and then setting the antlers in the dirt making it look like a shed in the woods any help on how to make a base at home and a habitat would help i would like to make it a winter project and do it myself.

[scavaretta]

Habitat (dirt,mud,etc.) can be made with a mixture of several materials such as paper mache mixed with dry pigment paints, or school glue mixed with sand or similiar fillers for the desired look. plaster of paris is also good mixed with sand and dry powder paint then brushed on for desired finish, almos all of the taxidermy supply companies carry a line of premade dirt and habitat material, any questions email me.
David

[Western MA Hunter]

This is the base under my turkey mount... habitat... i have seen my taxi do these mounts and put shed anters there... looked nice. base is only 4" or so deep. octogon...

[Windwalker7]

To make the dirt, all you need is to mix Elmers glue, dirt and a little water and some salt.


Mix it together and make a mud. Wear gloves!!!

Spread it out on a piece of ply wood only about an inch or so deep.

This will take several weeks to totally dry. The salt is supposed to help prevent mold from forming.

You can also coat leaves with a mixture of 50/50 Elmers glue and water. Dip the leaves in the mixture and allow them to dry. This coating will help preserve them but won't preserve the color.

Add a few small twigs, acorns and what not.

[bowanna03]

Thanks guys I appreciate all the help anyone know how to make a base also.

[Windwalker7]

You could spread out you "mud" on a piece of plywood and shape the "mud" down around the edges so you can't see the plywood.

Place wax paper under the plywood before you start.

After the plywood coverd mud drys, peel off the wax paper and place the whole thing on a nice finished ( stained/varnished/routered) piece of wood.

[bloodcrick]

As said mix elmers and water 50/50. I use pete moss for the dirt mixed with the glue water mix. get it to almost peanut butter consistency. I like to mix 7-dust with my peat before using to make sure any bugs are not present. As wind walker said, dont do it directly on thin ply wood, it will warp.

[TGRIZWALD]

post some pics when you finish