Attaching habitat to foam/dirt

[BowHuntr97]

I've been scouring these forums, but haven't had much luck in my search. I've been reading on how to do the Elmer's dirt/foam base. But have questions on the best way to attach habitat.

My questions are: What is the best way to attach the habitat (in this case sagebrush, dried grass, and a few pinecones.) to the dirt/foam base. The top of the floor pedestal will have a 2" recess that the foam will sit in. Should I just cut holes in the foam where I want the sagebrush and grass and attach it to the base with hot glue, before I apply the dirt?

Also, what's best to use to attach the foam to the pedestal itself?


I appreciate any advice/tips!

Thanks

BowHuntr

[duxrus]

"I" would just push the habitat into the foam right after I applied the glue/dirt. Between the tightness of the foam added with the glue, everything should be fine once dry. For larger plants you might also want to insert a wire in the stem/stalk and run it thru the base. I usually attach my foam to the base before starting adding the habitat so you know everything will work. I would run a few "U" shaped wires through the foam and attach them to the wood base to secure everything. The great thing about Elmers is you can easily clean with water so don't panic if you have a slight mishap while putting everything together. Good luck.

[txoutdoors]

FYI....it's easier to apply the dirt directly to the foam directly as it's being set up. No need for elmers this way. Use some gloves, pour foam, let it start to rise, cover with dirt, and press down. The foam itself will lock the dirt onto it. Use a heavy cover then after it sets up, shake off the excess. Saves some time and a ton of glue!

[duxrus]

Tx, You must be better at "guessing" how much foam to pour than me. I usually end up with a mountain and have to cut it to needed size 

[George Roof]

No need to let the depth of the foam scare you.  Mask off the woodwork and mix the foam so that you have enough to pour it 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.  Have a towel and lacquer thinner handy. If you see the foam getting away, wet the towl with lacquer thinner and just wipe it over the foam. Works wonders on stopping expansion.

As for me, I like to add half an ounc of colored lacquer paint to the foam mix.  This changes the color of your "dirt", slows expansion greatly, and is super sticky. This allows you to sprinkle peat moss, twigs, leaves, and grass over the top.  If you want it to look like marsh mud,add black paint to the foam and don't put anything atop the surface. Makes great slate gray marsh mud for muskrats, otters, and beavers.