8 replies to this topic

[Rob912]

Hi,

 

I saw this awesome design with some kind of bridge. I was wondering how to make that? Especially with the color and structure that is similar to the sand.

I was thinking about using ytong for the shape and plaster it with grout to cover it with sand.

 

Any other ideas?

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Edited by Rob912, August 29 2022 - 11:57 AM.

[ANTdrew]

You can make bridges by digging a tunnel in wet sand then filling it with hydrostone or perfect cast plaster. They’ll come out perfectly sand coated like that.

[Rob912]

You can make bridges by digging a tunnel in wet sand then filling it with hydrostone or perfect cast plaster. They’ll come out perfectly sand coated like that.

 

That's a good idea! Thanks. And how about the color? 

 

Edit:
@ANTdrew: I saw your post (link) on the Sand casting technique. So the plaster will stick to the sand and get the color from the sand you use to shape it. I am definately going to try this.

Edited by Rob912, August 29 2022 - 12:50 PM.

[ANTdrew]

It will take on the color of whatever sand you use. I’ve made cool pyramids and shelves using the same technique.

[FinWins]

You can make bridges by digging a tunnel in wet sand then filling it with hydrostone or perfect cast plaster. They’ll come out perfectly sand coated like that.

That’s exactly how I make all my sand coated nests.

[Serafine]

Um, those bridges look really really nice but well... what's going to happen is that the ants will stick all of their trash into those nice narrow spaces below those bridges and it's gonna be a nightmare to clean (unless of course it's Messor, they will just demolish everything).

Sorry, but ants aren't exactly the most sensible pets when it comes to respecting the beauty of decorations.

Edited by Serafine, August 29 2022 - 3:07 PM.

[Rob912]

You can make bridges by digging a tunnel in wet sand then filling it with hydrostone or perfect cast plaster. They’ll come out perfectly sand coated like that.

 
Do you maybe have some photo's of a mold, how you do that?

I feel a bit stupid but I can't seem to find out how exactly this technique works. So I place a mold pattern (bridge) in sand.. If I fill that up with plaster the surface (one side) will be flat.. What am I missing? I just can figure it out how to do it another way.
 

I think I have figured it out.. You make the bridge upsidedown in the mold so the 'pillars of the bridge' wil be flat at the bottom. I'm going to try it after my vacation.

 

Um, those bridges look really really nice but well... what's going to happen is that the ants will stick all of their trash into those nice narrow spaces below those bridges and it's gonna be a nightmare to clean (unless of course it's Messor, they will just demolish everything).
Sorry, but ants aren't exactly the most sensible pets when it comes to respecting the beauty of decorations.

Seems like the Messor isn't the right fit for me   
Good that you point out the space below the bridge. I should be able to make that a bit bigger to make cleaning up easier. Thanks again for your input!

Edited by Rob912, August 30 2022 - 12:23 PM.

[ANTdrew]

So, basically just dig a U shaped tunnel in the sand and fill it with the plaster. You’ll have to imagine the empty space under the sand because that’s what you’ll fill in. It will be hard to get the kind of precision you have in that photo, but you can make cool looking formations. Like Serafine said, though, you don’t want such a low bridge anyway.

[Rob912]

Thank you, I am going to give it a try after my vacation. I will post a photo of the result.

 

It's nice that you guys take the time to reply and give information. It is appericated!

Edited by Rob912, August 30 2022 - 12:35 PM.