Ready to make a splash with your Department 56 display? Adding a water feature can turn your village into a miniature paradise. Here’s a fun and easy guide to creating a gorgeous and realistic water feature.
Planning Your Water Feature
First things first: design your layout. Decide where you want your water feature and sketch it out. Think about adding beaches, rivers, lakes, or ponds. Gather your materials: foam board, a wood router (I use a real power tool, which is a bit scary and I only do it with adult supervision!), a Hot Wire Foam Factory routing tool, fine grit sandpaper, acrylic paint, glossy Mod Podge, liquid resin (2 parts), mixing containers, and a lighter for bubble removal. I use 1" and 2" styrofoam board in 4'x8' sheets from a home improvement store as a base for all ofmy village designs.
Creating the Water Feature
Let’s get routing! Use a router to carve out your water feature area to a depth of 1/2" to 3/4", creating the basin. Then, grab your hot wire foam factory routing tool to slope the edges, making them look naturally varied, like a sloped beach area. Once routed, smooth down the bottom of your 'ocean' with fine grit sandpaper to ensure a realistic look and better adhesion for the sealing materials.
Sealing the Foam
Time to paint! Apply the first coat of acrylic paint to the entire area, including the sides. This will be your initial sealant layer. Once dry, apply two more coats, letting each one dry fully before adding the next. This next step is crucial to protect your foam from the resin. When the paint is completely dry, cover the entire area, including the sides, with Mod Podge. I prefer the look of glossy, but any finish will work. This will seal the foam and prepare it for the resin.
Pouring the Resin
Here’s where it gets exciting! Resin is best saved for last, after all painting and decorating of the entire village setup. Be careful—resin is unforgiving and will trap anything that falls into it. I once dropped a tree into the uncured resin and had to pick out tiny green buds from the sticky surface. Before pouring the resin, I added sand and small sea shells to the ocean floor to create the look of sand beneath the water. When you’re ready, mix the resin in equal parts according to the instructions. Pour it in thin layers, avoiding a single thick layer to prevent improper setting and bubbling. In my example, I poured the resin in two stages, allowing each layer to cure for 24 hours. If bubbles appear after pouring, use a lighter to remove them while the resin is in a liquid form. This helps eliminate bubbles without damaging the surface. To achieve a vibrant color, I used alcohol ink to dye the resin, choosing a bright turquoise blue. However, most of the water's color is determined by the colors used under the resin while sealing the foam.
Creating Texture and Waves
After the final resin layer has fully cured it’s time to add texture and waves. To do so, I use Woodland Scenics Water Ripples to create ripples or small waves across the ocean. I found that a mixture of fake snow and clear caulk can be used to form ocean waves. This mixture works wonders! Use a small wet paintbrush to shape the waves and get the look you want near the shoreline. Additionally, I used a small, soft brush to add subtle highlights and details to the waves, enhancing their realism. This final touch brings a dynamic and realistic effect to your water feature, making your Department 56 display truly stand out.
Final Touches
Once the resin has fully cured, inspect your water feature for any imperfections. Small adjustments can be made with additional paint or resin if necessary. By following these steps, you can create a stunning water feature that enhances your Department56 display, adding a dynamic and visually appealing element. Enjoy the process and the beautiful results!