I do what answer_is_42 suggested. Once I've cut them to a waterline size, I mount them on a Milliput base, smooth the Milliput with water and when its dry painted it and the creature and then add weeds/reeds to the base. Most people who pick these plastic toys up once done are surprised to find they aren't metal. Party shops sell these animals by the bag/cheap. I get mine at my local swap meet/flea market for about 25 cents each.