• Acryic water used in combination with silk flowers creates the illusion of real water.flowers in varse isolated image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Acrylic water is a clear substance that after mixing, solidifies to look like water or glass. It is available at craft stores such as Michaels and AC Moore, as well as large chain stores like Walmart or Target. It is generally used by professional and hobbyist florists, but can also be used to make faux fish tanks and other crafts requiring realistic-looking water.
  
  

Flower Arrangements

• Used in a clear vase, acrylic water will look very real. If placed on a slightly tilted surface while solidifying, it can "freeze" or harden on an angle. This gives the designer of such an arrangement endless possibilities in choosing a look. A straw, toothpick or spatula can be used to make faux waves, bubbles and rippling. Using high-quality flowers is recommended to achieve the best look.
  
  

Simulated Aquatic Environments

• Acrylic water can be used in tandem with other materials to create simulated aquatic environments, fake "spilled" drinks or realistic figurines that appear to be splashing in waves. Basic polymer clay, found at most craft stores, can be used to make figurines. These clays air dry or can be baked to solidify, and come in a variety of colors. They can be textured by adding small beads, sand or other nonperishable materials. When the figurines are created, they can be placed in a container filled with acrylic water, or the water mixture can be poured over a figurine when partially dry to create a wet or splash effect. If perishable materials (such as dried beans) are used, they will distort when placed in the acrylic water mixture and will not dry properly.
  
  

Making an Acrylic Fish Tank

• Figurines made of polymer clay, or plastic figurines purchased in a toy store, can be used to create an interesting looking fish tank. First place any stones, plastic plants, and ceramic or plastic figurines at the bottom of the tank. Slowly pour in the acrylic water mixture. When the acrylic water begins to solidify and is a thick but not hard consistency, push the fish down into the mixture to appear as though they are floating in the water. When the acrylic water is solid, they will be suspended in the mixture. Make faux bubbles by pushing a thin coffee stirrer into the mixture when it is of a jelly-like consistency, blowing a bubble and slowly drawing the stirrer out.