Got a question, just started makeing dioramas, made about 3 so far. ive been useing plain wood plaque’s with flat surfaces for the dioramas, and to me i just dont like it because it gets kind of messy useing the plaster and such which tends to ruin the finish, also it looks un even. i see alot of people here doing dioramas in what looks to be picture frame sand box’s for 1/35th scale. all they have to do is pour in some celluclay of plaster and even it out to the brim and it look even and not sloppy.
now my question is were is the best place to get something big enough and deep enough to make a good diorama base?
You can always make them or you can check your local craft store for shadow boxes.
An easy way to make one is to get a piece of particle board cut into the size base you want. Pick up some inexpensive wooden trim, cut to make sides to form up you shallow “sandbox”. You can be as fancy or as simple as you want.
Deep is going to present a problem due to shrinkage of your base material and/or weight. Your use of plaques is fine. What you need to do, though, is tape off the side after you’ve stained it. Here is a step by step I did.
There had been a guy who set up a new modeling site and advertised over there and used the available e-mails to mass mail forum members. He apparently set up a sock puppet (second screen name/identity) to support his position. The ad was rejected and he is essentially persona non grata now.
I use whatever leftover board I have (just had the bathroom done so have a lot of old bench material). Get some wooden trim,(I just buy pine) into the mitre box to cut the edges- glue and clamps do the rest. I wouldnt spend weeks on a diorama to then go and buy a base. Making the base is part of the dio, IMHO.