It’s early August and that means Christmas items are already starting to hit the shelves. If you’re a fan of cheap 3D terrain, you might want to get yourself to Hobby Lobby pretty soon, last year they sold out quick. Here’s a few little gems that sell for $5 or less and can complement any gaming table.
Where else can you get three trees for $2? These little guys might not be the prettiest to adorn your table, but when they’re this cheap, who cares? Because of their price, I’m not overly concerned with their fate rolling around in a bag; they make great travel trees. Being made out of wire, they can get squashed and easily reformed back to their original shape. I’m not a huge fan of the flocked look, it has its uses, but personally I like to paint the trees.
These trees are just a single, dark-evergreen color underneath all that snow. The flock comes off easily with a blade of some sort. The little specks that remain actually pick up paint nicely, allowing for a layering of color.
The trees, like most terrain, benefit from sticky tack.
Christmas Trees (small)
Eight little trees for $1.50, but what to do with them?
The first time I grabbed a bag of these, I too was skeptical of their usefulness, but figured it was worth the price for a “try-it” craft… bushes. I cut the tops off, painted them green, and called it good. A year later and I’ve used these little bushes a lot. Often, I wanted more than just eight; they add a great, little-detail to every outdoor scene. (See below)
Crystal Cubes
Maybe you’re fortunate enough to own a gelatinous cube miniature. If you do, I’d suggest putting it on ebay. It sells for around $100.
These cubes are two for $5, and I think they look just as good.
What do you think?
Gelatinous "Crystal" Cube, Hobby Lobby "Make it Christmas"
Gelatinous Cube, #20 Desert of Desolation
Just to make sure you’ve been following along, I present the following $10 scene.
You have been following along, right? This is my 50th post!
Standard Action 
I love your ideas. Great stuff…now if I only had a basement to store stuff..hhhmmmm. Keep ’em coming.
Thanks so much for reading and for your comment! Hopefully the next 50 posts will be just as useful.
Those crystal cubes are awesome! They don’t have hobby lobby in my area so I’ll have to be on the lookout. What was the original use of those things anyway? Maybe my mind has been completely D&D-ified, but honestly all I see are gelatinous cubes 🙂