[JohnnyAppleseed]

Ok, TK.....first know that I contacted Terra, she's the queen of aging techniques in my humble opinion! She gave me ideas and hints. Then I took off on an excursion in my area and looked at the effects of our wonderful NW climate on structures around my home town. Took lot's of pictures as reference and then tried my hand at duplicating the appearance. Of course, being afraid of making a mistake on my labor of love, I duplicated the look on a scrap piece of foam, or plastered plywood (in the case of my columns) and played with the various techniques and colors. Dry brushing, spray bottle of water to mist, rubbing with dry cloths, etc. Until I found the look through the technique or combination of techniques. Being color blind (shade blind often called red/green deficient) I am in need of some assistance in hues and colors, but I work it out. The only thing that I couldn't bring myself to do was to beat it with a chain or hammer (at least this year).

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

TK, I use both the spanish moss (the longer stringy stuff) for larger items where I need a hanging/stringy effect and the lighter green moss like Terra shows for tombstones and I'll be adding it to the columns I built. Wallmarts usually carry both and much cheaper then Michaels (unless you have those Michael's coupons)! I like to use a dark gray base (Kilz with black added at Home Depot for free). I then take a large well worn brush (bristles point every which direction) to dab on a black, then let dry. I build down again from there with lighter colors and finish with dry brushing and misting in areas I need to show the run of water over time. If you decide to sponge paint, I usually opt to not use a true paint sponge, but prefer to bunch up several plastic shopping bags, tie it in the center to hold shape and provide a dry hand hold, and then use it as my sponge. Less air bubbles and longer areas of paint touch to the surface.

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

Johnny, Where do I look when I'm in Walmart? Is the moss in the garden section, or in some sort of craft section?

Actually I find it in the vase and fake flower section of our local Walmart. Keep an eye out down low, it seems only short, stooped over, elderly folks buy the stuff so the considerate Walmart stockers put it at reach level for them!

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

Looking good TK, sounds like you found the moss at Walmart! Now they look so new, need a few cracks and chips as well as the contrast and the lichen nad moss!

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

Looking forward to seeing it put together for the before and after effect! Scarfiest thing can be painting and aging your props after putting all the time and effort into building it and getting it to come out just as you planned! No better way then to research it a bit and then jump in with both feet!

 

[JohnnyAppleseed]

I see 'em too Baron! Love the idea and now will get a chance to experiment with it...don't have to worry about it washing off my props in the Northwest rain!