DIY Polyfiber Foliage Sheets for Bushes, Trees and Vines. Pro Quality..Cheap as Chips

[@TheOriginalBadger]

This is the only home-made ground foam (etc) I have seen, where I have thought... "I'd buy that".

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you very much for your support...That's a great compliment...Thanks again....Tom

[@herbkeedy1335]

THANK YOU for the information!!!! I'm just getting started on my S scale layout in Tennessee, USA, and this shows "you can teach an old dog new tricks" LOL I'm 75 years old and I'm learning.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I model on the cheap. I make all my own ground scatter (flocking) out of either sawdust that gets coloured in the electric coffee grinder my wife gave me for modeling, or foam rubber done same way in the coffee grinder. That way you can control the colours and the granularity of your finished product. I also make my own iron oxide (rust) by soaking about 4 pieces of 0000 steel wool in a quart jar with white vinegar. After about a month sitting in the window, I pour the mixture into a large pan (I use my old 11" x 14" stainless steel photo fixer trays when I had a darkroom) or baking dish and wait for the mixture to completely dry (usually about 2 to 3 weeks). Then I take a single edge razor blade and pulverize the contents into a fine powder and store it in little tins. Each batch I've done comes out a little different in colour. Then you use the rust as you would any weathering powder or chalk. It looks real, 'cause it IS real rust! I also colour my own chalk with acrylic paint and food colouring. I never buy weathering powders. Instead, I go to the dollar store and buy women's makeup in the little plastic containers. For $1.00 you can get quite a collection of different colours and they adhere better than weathering powders. For trees, I use the Nandena bush after the little red berries fall off, it leaves a perfect tree trunk (armature). I also have a TON of lichen growing out back on the hill behind my house. When using the Nandena bush tree armatures, you can paint them whatever colour you want--even grey for aspen trees. Cover the armatures with lichen, seafoam or whatever you want, then add your own home-made flocking and you're done. For pine trees, I use florist wire (wrapped) doubled and bits of jute cut in 1 to 1 1/2" laid in the wire, then using a drill, twist the wire while holding the other end in a pair of pliers.. I also use barbeque bamboo skewers with pig hair (horse hair) furnace filters (they're already green); have to paint the skewers first. And I never use spray paint since I use my airbrush for all my painting. I can use either acrylic or oil base paints; I usually use one airbrush for acrylic and the other one for oil base paints. Cheers from W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@TheGrungy1]

I make dioramas and play sets and d&d terrain. And i an a little obsessed with trees. My brother you are the ancwer to my prayers. No more naked trees. Thank you you beautiful bloke.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Glad to help. Happy modelling :)

[@jamesmcneil2472]

Cheers mate you have just saved me a small fortune. One of the best channels for scenic modelers I`ve seen on you tube.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you very much indeed, James. Your support is appreciated. All the best...Tom

[@williamwhitten7820]

This is a great tutorial! It goes through every step with a complete explanation and demonstration. I have been making miniature terrains for years. I did special effects work for cinema and theme parks when I lived in Hollywood. The materials have become much more sophisticated over the years. This polyfiber technique is relatively new. Static grass applicators have also become a necessity for professional results. I think this is the best tutorial on polyfiber on KZbin. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Happy modeling...Tom

[@RHTassie]

This is a great approach Tom! Always on the lookout for cost-effective modelling tips, and yours are a real winner. Thanks for sharing.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Rod, thanks very much for your support. I'm glad you like the idea. This is part of a playlist which I'll be updating from time to time with new ideas and improvements to help us all save some money. All the best....Tom

[@davidrobinson8224]

That is pretty nifty, I like it a lot. Well done, you deserve a Gold Star, couldn't find one so a cup instead 🏆

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you very much for the cup David, it's much appreciated. I'm glad you like it. all the best...Tom

[@jimhoffmann5175]

I found this just in time, I was getting ready to order a variety of Woodland Scenics products. Very informative series. Thanks.

[@stephenmcdonald6311]

..some really good information there , with a bit of imagination there's a whole lot of uses for the finished foliage ,

[@ethynvillebro4208]

SWEETA!!! Glad I came a board,, this is great ... thanks for tuning us in.. as I am trying to stretch the cash 4 the railroad scenery any tips and tricks are greatly appreciated this one will go on the top of the list... Thanks again Tom... cheers, Tom B.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi there Tom :) I'm very glad to know this idea will help you. Yes, it's very cost effective and takes away the hassle of worrying about how much you can use. I have some more vids in the playlist that you might find helpful, also. All the best...Tom

[@robertschworm6036]

I made a bath of chromium green paint and water, dark enough that you can not see thru the water. Drop the fiber into the bath and squeeze it out in your hand, as you mentioned. Let them dry. I then use spray adhesive and sprinkle on the foam bits. Mix them for the effect you want. cheap as chips!!! Bob

[@reman38]

Tom thank you for the inspiration for the polyfiber matts. I'm using them in a slightlly application than a railroad layout. A civil war diorama of a gun battery..I cut the poly in a 15" X 36" strip. Sprayed it with a Matt green. Used hairspray stick unsanded tile grout on top to blend various Browns. Going for a wore out pasture in late fall in Virginia. Added few pine trees, bleached string for random weeds and poly bushes. Everything is handmade. Thanks again Gene

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Eugene, thank you for the wonderful comment, it's much appreciated. Your Civil War diorama sounds great. I'm happy to have helped to inspire you. All the best...Tom

[@chrissharp5073]

Brilliant. I have some of this material leftover from my wife's DIY pillow making. Mmmm I could use this stuff and now having seen your tutorial, I can. Great idea and a well explained guide on how to. Keep up the good work. Stay safe.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks very much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Best of luck with your projects....Tom

[@thysvandenbos1324]

one of the MOST useful tricks I've ever seen, thank you so much!

[@tomjenssen7486]

Very happy to help. Thank you for your kind words

[@kazpaul75]

I'm glad I came across your channel; me and my young son are going to combine our tracks together to build one very big display in the loft. This idea (and others in your other videos) is going to save us so much money and it's something that he can easily help with too (he's only 9) Thankyou for sharing your ideas, we look forward to watching more of your videos and have subscribed 👍

[@tomjenssen7486]

Sorry I missed this reply. I wish you the best of luck with your project :) All the best....Tom

[@robertschworm6036]

Your poly fiber is sometimes referred to as quilt batting, and comes "low loft" and "high loft". I have a bundle of this but after watching your channel, sat here and separated the layers with no problem. I have one of those old cast iron grinders too, and a dollar store where I have seen those sponges,,,2 for $ 1.00! So guess I am in business. Thanks very much for everything especially the blending of the paints. A modeler also realized it would take a life time to make trees to forest his mountains. His answer was to make "forests", not "trees", as you see from the distance. Basically clumps of green . So he came upon this idea and his terrain is beautiful. See marklin of sweeden for his video series. Bob

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Bob, thanks very much for your kind comment. I'm glad to know you're enjoying the videos and I wish you good luck with your modelling. Yes, Marklin of Sweden is a great channel. All the best...Tom

[@les-halestation]

Hi.great video. I'm going to make them aswell.thanks.

[@russellstambaugh4528]

Great video. Definitely a money saver.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you very much. Glad to help saving some money

[@David-ey9jg]

Just what I’ve been looking for thanks.

[@Miertreg1]

Super nice video, Greetings Gert

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you :)

[@marilynlamm2425]

This is awesome. All stuff I already have.

[@tomjenssen7486]

That's great. Have fun and all the best, Tom

[@frank1672]

I'm late to the party! thanks for sharing I will be doing my foliage asap.

[@patterrana1581]

Been watching a ton of vids on scenery before I start in on mine, just watched a video where they used the woodland stuff (they've gotten enough of my $ hahaha) and thought "I gotta order me some of that!" Now I just saw this video and am thinking "mom makes quilts, she's got a ton of batting!" Thanks! Wonder if I could dilute paint and just soak the batting in it for a minute to color....time to experiment, and subbed for sure!

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks very much and all the best....Tom :)

[@thepigmeat9553]

Awesome job dude

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks :)

[@renierlabuschagne2141]

Love the idea. I just prefer spraypaint (clear or any other colour instead of hairspray. The scatter seem to stick better with spraypaint than on hairspray. Hairspray tend to loose its tack after a while.

[@slohand4you835]

as always....gr8 tips from your channel

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for your kind words..Glad to help. All the best.

[@Knappist]

Spot on matey I have saved a small fortune 👍

[@tomjenssen7486]

Very glad to have helped. All the best...Tom

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you for youre great video]👍

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. All the best......Tom

[@mikediehl1468]

It looks like Spanish Moss too. Nice!

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you Sir :)

[@mikediehl1468]

@@tomjenssen7486 youre welcome! And Im a new subscriber!

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

Simple and effective, value too. Thankyou 😃

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for your kind words. All the best.... Tom

[@HappyGnoux]

Really good tutorial video! thank you

[@GalgormHall]

A very clever and economical solution and the results speak for themselves. Logged for future use. A video on making your own flocks would be great too. Paul

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Paul, thanks for your kind words of support, I'm glad you find the video useful. I have a playlist for all my home made flocks here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nH3Ehax7Zsp7jNE Thanks again and all the best...Tom

[@w.rustylane5650]

Cheers dude. What's a quid??? You Englishers sure do talk funny. I think I'll be using the batting out of some old pillows. Cheers & 73 from W Rusty Lane K9POW in eastern Tennessee

[@DerpyPossum]

this would look great growing up the side of an old brick building! :)

[@tomjenssen7486]

It certainly does. Thanks for watching. All the best....Tom

[@dalemings3103]

Gotta love DIY!

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks :)

[@johndovaston1531]

Big thank you for sharing, amazing

[@tomjenssen7486]

You're more than welcome. Thanks for your kind words....Tom

[@Castlebridge-00]

It is all to do with timing and although I am a subscriber of several months, I have only just seen this video and I have only just got to the stage of scenery and trees etc for my 00 gauge layout. So I'm off to the shops to find the Poly Down and paints etc. Great tutorial. Barry.Devon

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks very much for commenting, Barry. Good luck, happy modelling and all the best...Tom

[@LJRLowevilleJunctionRailroad]

That is just an absolutely awesome idea, thanks for sharing...Linda🚂

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks very much, Linda, I'm glad you like the idea :) It allows me to have fun with the scenery without the worry of running out and having to go buy more. All the best :)

[@nick_5397]

thank you, you were a a lot of help. i started making my own.

[@tomjenssen7486]

You're more than welcome...very happy to help. Good luck with your modelling. Tom

[@fieryfredthebeaconlighter2259]

Great solution for small scale cam nets in military dioramas

[@tomjenssen7486]

definitely! :)

[@captainmikie3499]

very nice I would spray into a cardboard box, never done but have seen it done thanks

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for the comment Captain. Appreciated :) I tend to take a few outside and spray them...I've had good results soaking them in acrylic paint and dropping them in a bucket to drain and dry. All the best...Tom

[@smalllocoguy770]

Yet again you have done a great job i will be trying this when i come home from devon

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks very much...I'm glad you like it and I hope you get some good results. It's really easy and super cheap.

[@blazejpopowicz1362]

Thank You, this is very helpful and will save a lot of us a great deal of money. If You can get a slightly better camera, your videos will certainly benefit from that. I've subscribed.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Glad to help. Thanks for commenting and subscribing. I hope you enjoy the scenery playlist. All the best....Tom

[@kousakupapa2720]

チャンネル登録しました♪ たいへん良い時間を過ごすことが出来ました😃 参考になります♪

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you :))

[@ausfoodgarden]

Very nice! I'll be doing some of these for sure. They look a bit coarse on your mini layout to me but on a OO layout they would be excellent. I'd better subscribe and watch more of your videos :)

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Gerry, thanks very much for watching and leaving a comment. The micro layout is 009 and I use this on my 00 layout as well. I use 3 grades of ground foam. Usually the finer stuff for low ground and the coarser stuff higher up and for trees. Thanks for the sub and the support. All the best...Tom

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Fantastic mate I will give it a go

[@tomjenssen7486]

Cheers mate....I hope you get some good results. Cheap and easy :)

[@Finnertoncentralmodelrailway]

Hope so the last lot of foliage I made came out well but don't have any way to make it fine yours is like dust almost , I don't have a mincer so finding other ways to do it

[@nidge2822]

I'm going to the range tomorrow to see if I can buythis polly fibre wadding and some paints 😅

[@TheOriginalBadger]

I tried soaking mine in a diluted paint mixture. The material would just not take the paint...so I'm spraying mine using a good old rattle can. Works fine. :)

[@tomjenssen7486]

I had the same trouble with the paint. Nearly all of the finished pieces in this video are sprayed. I did have some success with the paint but it's a messy process :) P.S. Glad you're getting some good results with the technique.

[@SheltonDCruz]

Thanks Tom!

[@rodneyswingle3605]

I believe I'll go buy some batting, and give that a try.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for the support. I hope you get good results. Tom

[@magikdust2095]

Great job, looks great. I would've liked to see how you coloured the white poly fill though. You might've said how you did it in the video, but I watch with the sound off. Generally I can figure out what people are doing in the videos, but not if you don't show it at all... other than that, great video... 👍

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, it's much appreciated. I use spray paints for the the poly, a strong brown or a cheap brass colour has a good effect. Alternatively, I soak the cut out sheet in a diluted acrylic paint mix (blue and yellow to taste) then separate the sheets while wet. It's a bit messy but I like the results. It's one of those things where you try a few until you get the ones you like. Thanks again and all the best...Tom

[@mikparker2572]

Brilliant video as usual, definitely be trying this. Just one query, you say with the cheaper one you get two layers and with the premium you get four layers. Im a stickler for maths so surely thats double not quadruple? Ie 2x2=4. Or am i missing something lol. Thanks for sharing, you have saved me a fortune.👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏻

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed the vid :)

[@pacorrocha7928]

muy buen video gracias por compartir

[@tomjenssen7486]

A pleasure. Thank you.

[@realmagicjon]

Thanks for sharing.Jon.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks for the support Jon. Much appreciated.

[@Tony20031948]

Brilliant.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you very much, Tony. All the best....Tom

[@retolop]

Very nice . Best regards From The Land Of Mesopotamia Iraq - Baghdad

[@charlessalisbury6083]

That would be good for a graveyard scene I'm making

[@tomjenssen7486]

That sounds fantastic. Let me know how it goes. All the best...Tom

[@semadel5411]

I love it, Thanks 🌺🌺🌺

[@tomjenssen7486]

Very happy to help :)

[@chrispied4499]

Love these Tom, brilliant :) chris

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thanks so much Chris. Glad you like them. :)

[@FredMossMan-Wilbury]

Blimey Tom superb ....a little better than my effort....could have done with you on the team 😉.....regards Fred.....ps I’ve a loft full of that stuff from when I did upholstery...

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you so much Fred :) I appreciate your words. WOW, that's great..Plenty of stock..lol :)

[@robertschworm6036]

Hi Tom, I see that you have an incline or embankment in your video background. I have a 400 inch incline along a backdrop that needs to be sceniced on the front side. Did you make a rock or stone face and how is this done? Can some poly fibre hang down over this surface as well? I thought of some rock outcroppings as well. Bob

[@tomjenssen7486]

I have a large bag of bonding plaster (undercoat plaster for rough brick walls) which I get from the building suppliers. I use a slurry mix of this to coat all my surfaces for strength and a great texture. The foliage sheets hang on this really well without glue. It's the same technique that I used on the TV set layout. The scene that you can see in this video is 10ft long and cost less than $5 to build. Tom

[@greghollander7988]

Awesome work Tim. Question for you, the Hobbs Poly Down sold by me is 80% cotton and 20% poly. I assume that will work equally as well. Do you have any experience working with this blend?

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi Greg, thanks for watching and leaving a comment. I would imagine that it would work in a similar way but I've no experience in using cotton. If it's not too expensive, it's worth a shot. Let me know how you get on with it. All the best...Tom

[@森田栄-h1f]

It is a great help to the beginner modeler like me! I want to know what type of spray you use to color the fiber sheet. I hardly find the right spray in Japan. I will be pleased if you tell the detail information on the spray. Thanks.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi there, thanks for your comment and question. I use a very dark brown that has very little red in it...or a cheap brass colour spray (not hi metallic, just brass colour) I you find my video called Home made ground foam part 2 there is a colour guide for the foam. You can mix the acrylic in a bowl and soak the polyfibre in it. It's quite messy but it has good results. I hope this helps. All the best...Tom

[@森田栄-h1f]

BRASS color spray! I will try to find it at home centers; otherwise, I decide to use sprays for plastic models, or handicraft. Is that OK? I've seen your videos (including ground foam part2) and will see them again and again to learn more. Thank you for your advice.

[@fieryfredthebeaconlighter2259]

I was thinking that a simple balsa frame to attach the mesh to while colouring and flocking might be a useful tool to work with?

[@tomjenssen7486]

That's a great idea. Cheers...Tom

[@octavioreyes9510]

aprendo mucho con el maestro jenssen para mis futuros dioramas para carritos matchbox

[@tomjenssen7486]

Gracias. Me alegro de que te guste.

[@octavioreyes9510]

gracias por tu tiempo tan valioso en contestar no lo esperaba saludos amigo estare pendiente de mirar todos tus videos

[@baldanum1201]

Hair spray for adhesive ?

[@tomjenssen7486]

Yes, the cheaper the better

[@w.rustylane5650]

So far I've only used poly fiber from old pillows. There's a ton of it in a pillow.

[@grimstad84]

My wallet is my limit XD nice vid :)

[@tomjenssen7486]

Cheers and all the best

[@robertschworm6036]

Tom, This looks like a helix. Can you do a video on it and how you made it and sculpted it? bob

[@tomjenssen7486]

Hi again, Bob. This is an HOe layout that fits inside an old TV set. The playlist is here. I hope you'll enjoy it. kzbin.info/aero/PLaRujTap0smtfmPlf0WPIHXnG4gWVpTR1

[@Calvertfilm]

Cost effective Tom.

[@tomjenssen7486]

Cheers Laurie. Yes, very cost effective.

[@irenethielvoldt3785]

L

[@tomjenssen7486]

Thank you :)

[@arniecoons8248]

please get a grip on your tripod noise. It's maddening!