Performance Bases with Kinetic Sand

I am getting ready for the Save The Tigers Model Horse Show on Saturday, and I thought I'd spiff up my performance entries a little with arena bases. My goals here were to keep to a small budget and a manageable size.

For the first one, I found a wall hanging at Walmart—a picture frame without glass or a matte for about $5.00. I removed the hook from the back so it would lie flat on the table and a clip from the front. I also found a 3 lb. bag of kinetic sand for $13.00. (Regular sand can be done, but I usually make a mess of it.) Honestly, I'm a little worried about sand scratching my models, but it does look neat.

The fence is made of hobby wood (the small Popsicle sticks) and is removable for easy, flat storage. It stands 1 3/4 inches above the edge of the arena. Just a note, I steer clear of balsa wood because it is so fragile.

Picture frame base about 6 x 8.5 inches.

3 lbs of kinetic sand isn't a lot.

Quick!

Unlike regular sand, kinetic sand had to be rolled flat.

Dragging the arena.


Store kinetic sand items in air-tight bags.

Adding "banners" to a fence by cutting logos out of a catalog or magazine.

The second base I made was a little more work, and cost about the same because I had some scrap wood at home. I purchased a piece of craft plywood at Michael's for $4.00. Then, using four strips of wood and a rubber band to hold them in place, I glued the edges to the sides of the plywood (and not my desk!) The result was similar to the picture frame above, but I had more control of the size and shape.

Base made from scratch 12 x 6 inches.

Sometimes I forget stuff on the judging table, so I thought I'd put my contact info on my things.

Handmade base with sand on it.

It looks like I have enough sand for one more base. Maybe I'll get some ideas at the show.

P.S. I learned to pack my car more carefully for the trip to the show... so my bases don’t end up on their sides:

Kinetic sand is still sand. Pack bases flat on the way to the show!

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