How do you apply Static Grass to a diorama?
Static does not mean self-cling; you need to use either a white glue or Woodland Scenics glue to make it adhere to the surface. After you spread the glue to the area you wish to decorate, sprinkle the grass on top. Before the glue dries, gently blow across the top of it to get the grass to stand up. Static grass is a lot more realistic looking then the "saw-dust" type.
How do you get the tree-like stuff (not the lichen) to stay straight?
Sounds like Caspea, an airy plant used in floral decorations (similar to what Heki Products has). Try coating the "trunk" and "branches" with white glue mixed with water. Hang the "trees" up to dry, attaching a weight to the bottom of the tree. When it dries, the glue will be transparent and the trees stiff.
How do you make a lot of trees - in a hurry - cheaply?
Perhaps the easiest way is to get some twigs from the backyard and some Woodland Scenics turf. Coat the twig's "branches" with white glue and twirl it around in a cup filled with the turf material.
My favoritest tree to use for this is the Crepe Myrtle because of the mottled look of the bark. You can blend different shades and textures of the turf to add some variety to your landscape.
How do you make roads?
Try black wet-or-dry sandpaper. You can stripe your street using white tape.
I have to build a city for a school project. How do I do it?
The quickest way to build a city is to use a combination of square, rectangular, and triangular balsa wood. Glue a triangle on top a square and you have a house. Leave it off and you have a factory. A rectangle is an instant high rise. Add an acrylic dome to a square and you've got a domed stadium. Paint 'em different colors and your city comes to life. If you want non-working street lights, glue an acrylic ellipse on top of an acrylic square.
How do you build a mountain?
Weave cardboard strips like a basket and lay plaster cloth on top. To smooth out the surface or add texture, flow some plaster of paris on top,
I want to put some rocks along the edge of my lake.
(Not a real lake: This was a model railroad question. But you guessed that already, right?) Put a little bit of a couple of earth toned acrylics in small, separate containers, thin with a little water, and add some white scenic gravel to each. Slosh it around and when it dries, you've got a bunch a multi-shaded rocks.