"How To" Video : Number 2 - you may remember my charming first attempt on the making of a pinch pot filmed with the camera that came with this laptop. So here is another 'single take' tutorial, but I've since discovered Windows Movie Maker to add a few effects, an opening page, and some closing credits. My husband also found himself cajoled into providing the voice talent for very little compensation, but ample credit (I drew the line at a Producer credit). Hope you enjoy...



In addition to my very patient husband I would also like to thank my dear friends who suggested a rock collecting trip out to the desert this past weekend, without whom this video would not have been possible (well, not with these rocks, anyway). The Yuha Desert was a sweltering triple digit expanse of undiscovered treasure for we intrepid explorers, thank goodness there was enough food to last until Spring, should we have become stranded.





Here is the transcript from the video: " How to Create a Simple Moss Landscape - Begin by assembling the materials. Today we will use : a turntable, a round black tray, a few rocks, course sand, green moss, and a squirt bottle to keep the moss moist.

"Once everything is on hand try various combinations and arrangements until you find something that appeals to you aesthetically. These rocks were collected in the California desert, but rocks can also be purchased from building supply yards by the pound.

"If necessary add some sand to stabilize the stone, so it rests solidly in the tray. Next position the moss around the stone. It can represent the vegetation of an island or land feature, or simply be part of the composition. Carefully notice the area where the moss surrounds the stone. The idea is to make it appear as though the moss has grown over time, so it is best not to leave any gaps.

"Once the scene is starting to take shape fill in the rest of the tray with iether sand, or use soil if you want to encourage the moss to spread faster to fill in the whole tray. Work out the air gaps with either a chop stick or your fingers. Moss usually requires very good drainage but because this tray is so shallow it does not require drainage holes, the water will simply evaporate. Moss grows best in moist, shady, humid area where it is sheltered from wind and sun. Keep the moss damp, but never soggy or saturated. Moss can be collected from parking lots, sidewalks, or other public areas. An old credit card is perfect for slicing off just the moss and a thin layer of soil beneath it to keep it in clumps, as moss does not send down roots. Moss can also be allowed to dry and then sprinkled over moist soil. After a few months of ideal conditions a thick green carpet will grow.

"Keep the completed landscape moist by misting several times a day. Very diluted amounts of fertilizer from time to time will help keep it healthy. Moss will also appreciate the starchy water used to rinse rice. Even with perfect care the landscape may crisp up and turn brown. Enjoy it while it lasts, nothing lasts forever."