Snickers Doodles new basking platform 😋

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
I had so much fun building the castle I decided to build a new basking platform/hide for Snicker Doodles. It will be going in her habitat tonight when I get home from work. I waited till it was done this time to post pics, instead of blowing up the forum with updates lol. Let me know what ya think, likes, don't like, things that could be improved ect. My next project will be for Ruby, and then I'm going to make another castle for Sinatra (the 1st one had to big of a footprint 👣, I had time to realize before it was finished he uses every bit of his new space and I didn't want to take it from him, so I'll make a smaller one for him) I'll post the pics in order from beginning to finished. I was shooting for something in the venue of Moab Utah.
 

Attachments

  • 20230930_140828.jpg
    20230930_140828.jpg
    135.2 KB · Views: 99
  • 20231005_183554.jpg
    20231005_183554.jpg
    98.8 KB · Views: 73
  • 20231006_221310.jpg
    20231006_221310.jpg
    163.9 KB · Views: 80
  • 20231006_221321.jpg
    20231006_221321.jpg
    171.5 KB · Views: 73
  • 20231007_121718.jpg
    20231007_121718.jpg
    198.1 KB · Views: 75
  • 20231007_121731.jpg
    20231007_121731.jpg
    184 KB · Views: 81
  • 20231008_132050.jpg
    20231008_132050.jpg
    175.6 KB · Views: 73
  • 20231008_134726.jpg
    20231008_134726.jpg
    141.1 KB · Views: 77
  • 20231009_062121.jpg
    20231009_062121.jpg
    212.9 KB · Views: 72
  • 20231009_062151.jpg
    20231009_062151.jpg
    187.2 KB · Views: 71
  • 20231009_062116.jpg
    20231009_062116.jpg
    192.7 KB · Views: 69
  • 20231005_180906.jpg
    20231005_180906.jpg
    117.5 KB · Views: 77
  • 20231005_180854.jpg
    20231005_180854.jpg
    115.9 KB · Views: 79
  • 20230930_140853.jpg
    20230930_140853.jpg
    129.7 KB · Views: 75
  • 20230930_182819.jpg
    20230930_182819.jpg
    113.1 KB · Views: 78
  • 20230930_183200.jpg
    20230930_183200.jpg
    104.3 KB · Views: 72
  • 20231001_140755.jpg
    20231001_140755.jpg
    115.8 KB · Views: 77
  • 20231001_140800.jpg
    20231001_140800.jpg
    159.8 KB · Views: 70
  • 20231001_181811.jpg
    20231001_181811.jpg
    150.4 KB · Views: 71
  • 20231004_174314.jpg
    20231004_174314.jpg
    129.8 KB · Views: 66
  • 20231004_174550.jpg
    20231004_174550.jpg
    181.4 KB · Views: 69
  • 20231004_183943.jpg
    20231004_183943.jpg
    185.6 KB · Views: 70
  • 20231004_183958.jpg
    20231004_183958.jpg
    145.4 KB · Views: 77

J4ckdaw-

Sub-Adult Member
Beardie name(s)
Leo
I had so much fun building the castle I decided to build a new basking platform/hide for Snicker Doodles. It will be going in her habitat tonight when I get home from work. I waited till it was done this time to post pics, instead of blowing up the forum with updates lol. Let me know what ya think, likes, don't like, things that could be improved ect. My next project will be for Ruby, and then I'm going to make another castle for Sinatra (the 1st one had to big of a footprint 👣, I had time to realize before it was finished he uses every bit of his new space and I didn't want to take it from him, so I'll make a smaller one for him) I'll post the pics in order from beginning to finished. I was shooting for something in the venue of Moab Utah.
Looks great!
 

NickAVD

Sub-Adult Member
Beardie name(s)
Foxy
It looks amazing!
When I opened the post, I thought, ok, now I’ll give some useful advice. But after looking at all the photos, I realized that everything was perfect and I had nothing to add. You did a great job! 🤩
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
I think she is going to like it. She is checking everything out 🙂
 

Attachments

  • 20231010_174637.jpg
    20231010_174637.jpg
    138 KB · Views: 74
  • 20231010_181258.jpg
    20231010_181258.jpg
    116.5 KB · Views: 70
  • 20231010_181317.jpg
    20231010_181317.jpg
    165.8 KB · Views: 72
  • 20231010_181333.jpg
    20231010_181333.jpg
    140.8 KB · Views: 72
  • 20231010_181521.jpg
    20231010_181521.jpg
    178.7 KB · Views: 76
  • 20231010_181545.jpg
    20231010_181545.jpg
    165 KB · Views: 73
  • 20231010_181735.jpg
    20231010_181735.jpg
    131.3 KB · Views: 73

NickAVD

Sub-Adult Member
Beardie name(s)
Foxy
I'm very interested to know how you achieved the chipped stone effect on the foam. Was this done with a cutter?
And yet, I think many people on the forum have a question, what can you use to paint the decor? Could you tell me what each layer is for? I see that the platform was brown, then yellow, and then I lost count :ROFLMAO:
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
I used an exacto knife that was just barely extended. Cut slices all across the face, then slice across that in a grid pattern. It isn't fussy. Then on small areas like the edges use your thumbnail to dig out chunks. On the larger area I used a pocket knife 🔪 and scraped it back and forth to speed things up. Then I used a variety of wire brushes to make it more random. Last some 120 grit sandpaper to soften the edges a bit. (Sandstone generally is weathered and more round than harder stones) For the strata I used a soldering iron and drug it across letting the barrel aslo make contact occasionally to widen the "cracks" in the layers.
I discovered that useing wood glue in the base works better than expanding foam. When I used the expanding foam it , well expanded making it hard to keep the desired height. It holds better so I used it on stuff that didnt change the dimensions.
The first coat that was kind of brown was a primer. The paint doesn't adhere well to the Styrofoam. The paint is acrylic, because its mostly non-toxic. (and won't melt the foam) Next was a full coat of cashew and burnt ummber mixed to the yellowish hue. I was trying to get close to a natural sandstone color for the base. From there i mixed yellow ochre and raw sienna for the redish bands. Some bright orange and raw sienna to add addition layers. Then dry brush a couple layers of the last two steps mixed at slightly different ratios so it would accent instead of just blending. After the acrylic is good and dry seal it all with some clear coat. The acrylic is water based, if you don't let it dry enough the clear coat smears it into a mess. I made that mistake with the moss on the castle 🏰 I ended up with a green top and ramp lol. I had to go back and dry brush the grays back in to fix it. All in all these have been alot of fun.
Ruby is next, I think I'll do hers like banded ryolite 😉😁
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
It worked out great, in the end you didn’t lose the area of the terrarium by making two floors.
Yup, I learned my lesson with the castle, I think I added a bit more usable space than I took away this time.
 

NickAVD

Sub-Adult Member
Beardie name(s)
Foxy
I used an exacto knife that was just barely extended. Cut slices all across the face, then slice across that in a grid pattern. It isn't fussy. Then on small areas like the edges use your thumbnail to dig out chunks. On the larger area I used a pocket knife 🔪 and scraped it back and forth to speed things up. Then I used a variety of wire brushes to make it more random. Last some 120 grit sandpaper to soften the edges a bit. (Sandstone generally is weathered and more round than harder stones) For the strata I used a soldering iron and drug it across letting the barrel aslo make contact occasionally to widen the "cracks" in the layers.
I discovered that useing wood glue in the base works better than expanding foam. When I used the expanding foam it , well expanded making it hard to keep the desired height. It holds better so I used it on stuff that didnt change the dimensions.
The first coat that was kind of brown was a primer. The paint doesn't adhere well to the Styrofoam. The paint is acrylic, because its mostly non-toxic. (and won't melt the foam) Next was a full coat of cashew and burnt ummber mixed to the yellowish hue. I was trying to get close to a natural sandstone color for the base. From there i mixed yellow ochre and raw sienna for the redish bands. Some bright orange and raw sienna to add addition layers. Then dry brush a couple layers of the last two steps mixed at slightly different ratios so it would accent instead of just blending. After the acrylic is good and dry seal it all with some clear coat. The acrylic is water based, if you don't let it dry enough the clear coat smears it into a mess. I made that mistake with the moss on the castle 🏰 I ended up with a green top and ramp lol. I had to go back and dry brush the grays back in to fix it. All in all these have been alot of fun.
Ruby is next, I think I'll do hers like banded ryolite 😉😁
Thank you! This is very valuable information. I think this post can be safely given as an answer to everyone who wants to make decor with their own hands!
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
Thank you! This is very valuable information. I think this post can be safely given as an answer to everyone who wants to make decor with their own hands!
Thank you 🙂
 

Axil

Juvie Member
Beardie name(s)
Beebz
Woah that's a work of art. I believe you told me once you weren't gifted artistically... that was obviously a lie :p.

I love how you were able to give her so much space. Was it difficult to keep everything level with the relatively small "foot" you made? I know you mentioned the wood glue was helpful in that regard.

How did the texture turn out with the painted foam? Do you think she'll be able to scratch the surface with her nails or does the acrylic dry tough enough to prevent that?

The only advice I have is to take more pictures of Snickers modeling it! She looks very smug to have trained her hooman so well.
 

Members online

Latest resources

Latest posts

Latest profile posts

either she really likes me, or shes hungry
I can’t wait to see Dr.Wilson be a big dragon but I try to cherish hard the moments while he still fits in my hand 🦎
It’s been a month since I’ve joined bd.org! It feels like it’s been longer than that, but I’m glad I’m here and apart of this lovely community!
I can feel her staring into my soul demanding food
She was having a staring contest with a mealworm. I guess I never taught her to not play with her food, lol.

Forum statistics

Threads
157,300
Messages
1,272,121
Members
76,777
Latest member
vvvwinvnco
Top Bottom