Frozen-Over Ponds
If you're modeling a winter scene you can use wax paper to add a small frozen pond to your layout. Paint a flat, level area where your water surface will be dark blue (C&O Blue works great!) and let dry. Cut a piece of wax paper a little larger than the area you painted and glue it shiny side up to your layout base with non-yellowing glue (white glue works fine for this). Apply glue only around the edges and make sure there are no ripples or folds in the paper. For best results, use thin translucent wax paper (the cheaper the better!); it'll look white on the roll and the blue paint will give your finished pond a slightly bluish cast just like the real thing. As a finishing touch, blend your pond's edges into your scenery with snow powder (available from several manufacturers).
