Styrofoam pieces
Styrofoam has always been one of the easiest materials with which to make creative projects. Lightweight, easily glued and cut, Styrofoam can be used to make a fine array of figures. Figures can range from a snapping turtle to a praying angel or anything else that your imagination can think of. A few simple supplies and a little creativity will have you turning bland white Styrofoam into exciting, colorful figures in no time flat.
Instructions
1. Sketch out what you want to make. Keeping the figure simple will keep your project simple, but even elaborate figures can be broken down to create with Styrofoam. Decide on what figure you want to create. Let's say it's a turtle. Draw a rough sketch of the turtle's outline, which would include four stumpy legs, a rounded shell back, a stumpy neck, round head and triangular tail.
2. Get your Styrofoam pieces. Visit your local arts and craft store or go online to find pieces that match the shapes you need. A small round ball works for the turtle's head. A medium ball cut in half will work for his shell. A Styrofoam cylinder can be sliced into smaller pieces for his legs and neck. Get a thinner Styrofoam sheet for his tail and other details.
3. Prepare your pieces. Cut your Styrofoam to the desired size with a thick utility knife. You can also use chopping knives from the kitchen, just make sure to clean them both before and after using on Styrofoam. Make sure to put a pile of newspapers or something else down under the surface where you are cutting so you don't destroy the tabletop or other surface. For the turtle, slice the cylinder into five pieces: one for the neck and four of the same size for the legs. Slice the medium ball in half for use as his shell. Cut a small triangle from the Styrofoam sheet. You can also cut two flat circles out of the sheet to use as his eyeballs.
4. Connect your pieces. Smear a thin layer of craft glue on either side of the two pieces you are going to connect. For added security, dip each end of a toothpick in glue and stick it between the two sides as an anchor. Keep gluing until each piece is secured. Prop the figure in a safe place to dry thoroughly.
5. Decorate. Once the glue is dry, paint your figure as desired. Spray paint works well on Styrofoam since it is a very porous material. If using more than one color, wait until each portion is fully dry before adding the next. Cover places you do not want painted with newspaper taped with painters tape.
