Build a Base
- 1). Cut a piece of extruded insulation foam board to serve as your base according to your space requirements.
- 2). Cut additional smaller pieces if you plan to represent changing elevation in terrain.
- 3). Position the additional layers on the base, mark their positions with a marker and remove them from the base.
- 4). Apply a thin layer of white glue between layers where they meet before you replace them. Press a few finishing nails into the structure to hold the layers in position while the glue dries.
- 5). Crumple newspaper into irregularly shaped wads and tape or glue them into place on the board, if you want a rocky background.
- 6). Use a rasp or hobby knife to carve out any additional landscape details you may desire in the foam.
- 7). Dip strips of plaster cloth into a pan of water to wet both sides and apply the cloth over the base to cover the foam and newspaper entirely. Smooth the cloth with your fingers and press it into the crevices to capture the details before allowing it to dry.
- 8). Paint the terrain in acrylic earth tones once the plaster cloth has fully dried. This may require two coats.
- 9). Sprinkle landscaping foam over wet paint with a sieve, if you are using such products for texture.
- 10
Paint the sides of the diorama a uniform color. Typically, black is a good choice.
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