Are you looking to enhance your tabletop terrain and save some money with DIY flocking? Today, I’ll show you how to create three types of handmade flocking that are inexpensive, quick (mostly), and add a natural touch to your builds. Let’s get started!
1. Grassy Flocking
This style is closest to professional grass flocking, but it’s also the most labor-intensive.
Materials Needed:
- Rough jute rope (available at craft or dollar stores)
- Acrylic paint (if needed for coloring)
- Scissors or electric hair clippers
Instructions:
- Cut the rope into small strands to mimic blades of grass. You can dye it green with acrylic paint and water before or after cutting, or leave it brown for dead grass.
- Use scissors for precision, or save time by using electric hair clippers.
- Pro Tip: Hair clippers are a little quicker and easier on the wrists, but can still take around 40 minutes for a decent amount of grass.
- Apply white glue to your terrain piece and sprinkle the grass flocking on top.
Bonus Tip: To make the grass stand upright, use a static grass applicator if you have one. Alternatively, a balloon and wool sweater can create some static electricity to achieve a similar effect—a budget-friendly trick that works better than I expected!
Bonus Bonus Tip: If you choose to dye your grass green, be sure to mix your paint with water. Paint will make the rope fibers clump. You can work them apart after with your fingers, or by straining your flocking through a sieve, but it will be easier if you dilute your paint to begin with.
2. Mossy Flocking
For a mossy, textured look, this method is quicker and easier than grassy flocking.
Materials Needed:
- Wet floral foam* (found at craft or dollar stores)
- Cheese grater (preferably with a fine setting)
*It is called ‘wet floral foam’ but you want it to be dry for this craft.
Instructions:
- Grate the floral foam using the fine setting of a cheese grater. It’s faster than grating cheese!
- Floral foam comes in various shades of green; mix different shades for a more natural look.
- Optionally, add paint to the foam for color variation.
- Pro Tip: Mix and match different flocking types for unique textures.
- When applying, press the mossy flocking gently into the glue for better adherence. You can leave it fluffy or pat it down for a more compact look.
3. Bushy Flocking
If you need vibrant, bush-like textures, this method is for you.
Materials Needed:
- Parsley flakes (cheap and available in bulk)
- Acrylic paint (choose your desired colors)
- Mixing container and stick
Instructions:
- Mix parsley flakes with acrylic paint in your container.
- For green bushes, use green paint. Experiment with colors like orange or yellow for seasonal effects or blues and purples for a fantastical vibe.
- Allow the painted parsley to dry completely.
- Apply the flocking to your terrain by pressing it into the glue for secure adhesion.
Bonus Tip: For a final touch, use spray glue to seal everything in place and prevent the flocking from falling off.
Finished Pieces
Here’s the finished result of all three flocking types:
- Grassy Flocking: Natural and professional-looking.
- Mossy Flocking: Soft, lush, and versatile.
- Bushy Flocking: Vibrant and customizable for any setting.
Each type adds its own charm to your terrain and can be tailored to your specific project.
Bonus Content
If you enjoyed this tutorial, check out my other crafting content and my free dark fantasy novel, The Grimm and the Reaper. I also have an exciting Kickstarter launching soon for my new novel, The Ghost of Midormere. This dark fantasy features meddling gods, rogues, and a coming-of-age story—plus the audiobook will be narrated by a real-life reverend!
Links to all of this are in the description. Your support means the world to me.
Happy crafting!