I've seen some very convincing stuff made from Styrofoam cut with a >sharp< knife, then painted across various surfaces with a mix of flat and semi-gloss black paint.  The play of light from the planes painted with the different finished paint was the trick for the added realism.  The result is a bit fragile though (being Styrofoam)--might not work if out in the open, but could be an option if this is to go inside a case.

     - Tim

>>> Catherine Dean <[log in to unmask]> 1/17/2008 12:23 PM >>>
Does anyone know where to get fake coal?  I have a coal scuttle that I'd *love* to fill up, but don't have any idea where even to start on something like this!

Thanks,
Catherine Dean
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