I was asked ( off forum) to describe how I make my jungle bases. I figured it was worth posting it here incase anyone else was interested.
I use CDs/DVDs as bases as I can acquire duff ones from work. I PVA them to a sheet of thin (approx 10mm) polystyrene.
These are on a sheet from some packaging, but I have used ceiling tiles in the past aswell.
1. The bases are then cut out using a hotwire cutter (Mine is from GW and works fine). I then bevel the edges.
2. I then coat the top in PVA and sprinkle sand/grit/etc over it and let it dry completely.
3. Next I paint it in the base colour and once that dries, dry-brush in a lighter shade.
4. I paint irregular patches of PVA on and add Woodland Scenics flock, repeating with static grass.
5. I then add pieces of clump foliage and lichen.
6. Finally I add a variety of (mostly) aquarium plants.
A good mix of plants, varying in height, shape and colour helps to give a more realistic look.
1. To secure the plants I punch a small hole into the polystyrene.
2. I then select the plant required (2 peices on a single stalk, in this case).
3. A dab of PVA and push the plant into the hole.
4. This makes the plant pretty secure as it is "planted " into the base.
The finished item. If you wanted you could dry-brush the leaves to take some of the shine off, but I havent bothered so far.