Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

So, this is my first year of even CONSIDERING doing this, and now that my painting skills have gotten better (I still have thick paints, but I at least know how to blend, wash, etc.), im thinking about entering my army. The three main components for the scene im making is a hill of skulls, a river of blood, and a portal. I already have a portal made, and have two boxes of skulls to work with. How do you make that realistic looking water effect, and how do you make that red? And also...Is armies on parade really even worth the effort? Or is it as much a popularity contest as I keep hearing. I just want something for fun, and maybe even something I can use as a piece of terrain during games!

And obviously, any modeling tips for foam, tools, etc. are welcome.

you can get some Valejo still water and use food coloring to make it red.

it is really fun to have a sense of accomplishment and see your board along side others. since it'd be your first I wouldn't stress too much, just habe a basic vision in your head and visualize what you want to build. since you kinda have that, just get a board and mock stuff up to help. if you also put models on it it really helps to flesh it out(see what I did there).

I haven't started work on mine for this year yet, but the wheels are turning and I have a vague idea. I was pretty happy with my results last year and I want to make it even better.

Don't listen to the whole (popularity contest) part of it and make something you'd want to see if you weren't going to compete.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL.....HAVE FUN!!!

I'm at the same stage as you: considering entering for the first time, having a general idea of what i want (very general...) and wanting to generate a piece of terrain I can use in games...

My approach is this:
-Start early so I have time to tweak and play around with methods and materials...
-Don't be too ambitious, I constantly have to bring my plan down to reasonable levels so the whole thing is not too daunting. I tend to procrastinate and not get started when projects are too daunting...
-Have fun! I don't care about popularity contests, but I care about making something cool that I'll enjoy playing with afterwards... Rule of cool is in full effect on this...

As far as materials go, I have a big pile of empty sprues that I intend to put to good use...

Enjoy! Good luck!