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How to Build a Model Frozen Pond

When creating a miniature model city, forest or other location with a winter theme, one way to bring even more detail and realism is to include a frozen pond. While the logistics behind using actual frozen water for your pond is not appropriate for most model enthusiasts, the look of ice can be replicated using basic arts and crafts supplies.

Things You'll Need

Chicken wire
Wood glue
Water
Bowl
Newspaper
Spray paint
Acrylic paint
Casting resin
Plastic disposable container
Fake frost spray

Instructions

- 1
  Shape your chicken wire into the desire shape and size of the pond. The amount of chicken wire needed will depend on the size and shape you need to fit in with your project. Start with a piece of chicken wire two times the size you want your pond to be, and then trim as needed.
- 2
  Mix 1 part wood glue with 1 part water, in a bowl with a wide opening. How much you need of each ingredient depends on the size of your project.
- 3
  Tear your newspaper into 1-inch strips. Soak the strips in the glue and water mixture, and then apply them to your chicken wire structure. Be sure to wrap the top, bottom and sides with several layers of the newspaper. Allow the paper-mache to dry for at least 24 hours until set.
- 4
  Spray a light coat of light gray or white spray paint on the outside of the finished pond structure. Use a light blue or white spray paint for the inside where the water would be. Allow the spray paint to dry for the amount of time specified on the label. Then paint the inside and outside with layers of varying hues of blue and gray acrylic paints, to provide more interest and realism to the pond.
- 5
  Follow the directions on your casting resin packaging to mix the resin to the appropriate consistency. Use a container that can be thrown away to mix your resin.
- 6
  Pour the resin directly into the center of your pond, and let it spread out toward the edges. Do not pour the resin near the sides or down the sides.
- 7
  Spray a thin coating of fake frost spray, such as the kind you find around the holiday seasons or in many craft stores throughout the year. Let the first coat dry, and then spray additional coats to add texture to the ice.

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