This Part 17 of a series of a fair few posts, Part 1 (link here) gives an overview and the philosophy applied to the series – cheap, simple and fun.
Today we are doing a Swedish Hayrack (hässja), the key here isn’t the type of hayrack but the material we use which works perfect for the 15mm scale.
Anyway here is a nice slow video now how they are made for real.
We will try to do something representing this on the table.
Mark up some bases (I used 80mm bases, working at a 15mm scale here) I drilled some holesThen I added some 30mm long cocktail sticks (I cut off the tops a little bit)GlueSecureThen use some cocktail sticks (mine fitted perfectly, but you could cut them if they do not fit, most of it will be covered anyway)Glue on threeI bought some steel wool from AmazonCut out some thin slices (about 1 cm)Paint up the base with the sticksThe add the pieces in layers, I put superglue on the stick structureI added three strips on each side, then a small layer on top. But did not take a picture, when dry I used PVA glue and a brush to shape the structure make sure the PVA totally soaks the material, down strokes is the key movement here.Then paint it – however, you need to wait until the PVA is fully dry as steel wool rust within minutes with any exposure to humidity. You might have to repaint a few times as paint might provoke some further rust, but the PVA should create a little bit of a protection.
SO PATIENCE IS THE KEY HERE.
It kind of works, might try to use some spray matt varnish next time perhaps.
And that budget, well had to buy that steel wool so we are now at £20.92 in total.
I’ve used steel wool to make bushes in the past and spraying it with an enamel coat has stopped it rusting at all (oil based – same as DIY manuals tell you to touch over exposed nails or screws in wall with an oil-based paint before applying any emulsion)!
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Excellent work, I must admit I never thought of using steel wool as hay. I am now wondering if it would work as thatch too?
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It Will just remember it rusts!
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Would it rust even after covering in PVA and acrylic paint?
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It does but just do it in stages and re-do it a few times
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Very nice. I never knew the Swedes stacked their hay like that.
Would an undercoat with a spray primer prevent the rusting?
Cheers,
Pete.
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I’ve used steel wool to make bushes in the past and spraying it with an enamel coat has stopped it rusting at all (oil based – same as DIY manuals tell you to touch over exposed nails or screws in wall with an oil-based paint before applying any emulsion)!
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Perfect!
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Steel wool? Nice. I wonder if pillow batting would work too? Cool video too.
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Might give that a try, thanks
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At least it won’t rust. I use it for my smoke markers. Has a similar texture and is cheap.
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