How Did You Make the Water?

I made the water on a piece of 3/4" x 13 5/8 x 48" wall insulating foam, but you can make it any size you like. I cut out a piece of the size needed each time I need some Other materials needed include four shades of blue acrylic paint, clear bathtub caulk, Glittering Ice Crystals made by Union Wadding Company, Gallery Glass Crystal Beads made by Plaid Enterprises Inc., a sponge for dabbing on the paint, and a plastic knife like those provided in fast food restaurants. I bought the paint, ice crystals, and beads at Hobby Lobby. For the four shades of blue I used Williamsburg Blue, Truly Teal, a third one I don't remember and don't have a container to check (it was an intermediate shade darker than the Truly Teal and lighter than the Prussan Blue, as shown in the picture below), and Prussian Blue. First, cover the insulating foam completely with the lightest shade of blue paint, dabbing it on with a sponge to give an uneven appearance. After that dries, dab on the next darker shade of blue for about 50% coverage and let dry. Then dab on the third shade of blue for about 33% coverage and let dry. Finally, dab on the darkest shade of blue lightly to give depth to the water and let dry. You can vary the coverage of the second and third shades depending on how dark you want the water to be. Once all the paint is on and dry, cover the entire surface with 1/8 to 1/4" of clear bathtub caulk, using the plastic knife to spread it evenly. Once the foam is covered, sculpt small waves on the surface of the caulk using the knife edge. Let dry overnight. Depending on the type of clear caulk, it may be white when you apply it, but will dry clear, letting the blue show through. Once the caulk is completely dry you can cut the foam to the size and shape you want for your display. The picture below shows what the water looks like before cutting it to size. Once the water is bult into the display and everything else is in place, sprinkle Ice Crystals lightly on the surface and add a few Crystal Beads to give the degree of wintery look you prefer. The crystals and beads will be loose on the surface, so they must be added as a last step.