An Island at Your Fingertip

Dioramas are great, but they can take up quite a bit of space. This lovely model, fits into a box, allowing for easier storage and protection from dust. This one is quite beginner-friendly, and I encourage you all to try it! For more inspiration, or perhaps you would like to own one without the hassle of making it, hop on over to @funsizescenery on insta.

I do apologize for spelling and grammar mistakes in advance.

For this project you will need:

• Xps foam or insolation foam
• Plaster of Paris
• Sand
• Paint
• Gesso
• Glue
• Fine grass flocking

Some tools that come in handy are:

• A sharp exacto knife
• toothpicks
• sandpaper
• paint pallet
• paint brushes of varying sizes

First sketch out your island on your piece of foam. Note where you have different terrain or varying elevation. Create a border of about 1/2 a centimetre away from your island to leave space for any errors

Cut straight down along your border, as far as your knife allows you. A foam cutter can make this a lot easier. Next, cut diagonally outwards along your actual island border. Keep cutting away at the layers until you have your island free from the giant block of foam.

Now that you have your island shape, you need to cut out your terrain. I have three main elevations, which are marked out on the side. as seen in the first photo. I follow the same steps outlined in the previous one to carve out my terrain.

First buff out hills and flats using sandpaper. Using a toothpick to chip away at small pieces, you can create rocky terrain. Once satisfied, use plaster of pairs to coat each and every nook and cranny. you can use a paintbrush or a piece of foam to texture the plaster further. Coat the piece in sand to give it texture, as there is rarely anything truly flat in nature. If the plaster is too dry for sand to adhere, wait for it to set and coat the piece in glue first. Shake off the excess sand and get ready for painting!

This is a smaller Island I made to match, first I paint grey for the cliffs and brown for dirt or grassy areas. Next, I drybrush with different shades until I am satisfied with the outcome. I recommend making a small island to try out techniques on as it doesn't take much extra effort.

This is what my main island looks like throughout my process

Painting complete for all my islands

Sprinkle grass flocking over hilly areas to give the piece some green

First, cut out tiny squares for houses. Next paint each block. Using a mixture of plaster, paint and glue (I colored mine black) Dab it onto the block with a toothpick. Smooth out the roof to your desired shape and voila!

If you have no water features, this is where you can call it a day!

I had a wooden box that I bought from a local dollar store. I cut my islands to fit into the box and arranged them till I was satisfied.

First, to add some sense of depth, paint the bottom of the box blue, as well as the slopes of your islands. Next mix a batch of epoxy casting resin to the manufacturer's specifications. Pour it in carefully and allow to cure for 24 hours

Voila, here is an island in a box!