Tall Prairie Grass  

by Dan Crowley

Many people ask me my technique on the tall prairie grass they see on my layout.  It is a simple trick that produces great results, that anyone can do.  Head to the local fabric store and pick up some "fake fur".  It comes in all colors but I find the blond color best.  It passes for dry grass.

Once you have your supply of fake fur you are ready to start planting.

1.      Spread some diluted white glue in the area you intend to plant the grass.

2.      Grab some fur between your thumb and forefinger.  Now with sharp scissors cut the fur close to the backing

3.      Plant the grass into the white glue

4.      Allow this to dry for at least 6 hours.

5.      Using a small wire brush (or stiff toothbrush) comb the fur.  This will thin out the grass and get it standing up.

6.      Cut to desired height with scissors

For large tracks of grass I have another technique.

1.      Spread plaster over the entire area you have planned for grass.  Tint the plaster to represent the ground color of the area you are modeling.

2.      Cut a patch of fake fur as large as the area you plan on planting.

3.      Take this fur and lay it in the wet plaster with the backing up

4.      Let the plaster dry completely

5.      Once the plaster is dry, grab the fur backing and pull it off.  This will leave the large tracks of individual grass stalks over the area.

6.      Trim and cut to the desired height.

This grass can be colored by painting it with thinned acrylic fabric paint of your color choice.  Let it dry and then brush it to get it standing again.

That's it .  Good luck