Making a model mountain is a great arts and crafts project that can be used for a science fair project or just for fun.Even if you have never done this type of project before, it is easy to make a model mountain out of papier-mache.All you have to do is make your base, apply the papier-mache to it, and then paint the whole thing.
Step 1: Place your mountain on a wooden or cardboard square.
You will build your mountain on this base.If you want your mountain to be a little bigger, you can have an adult use a razor knife to cut this square.If your mountain is 25 by 25 cm, then your base should be 12 by 12 inches (30 by 30 cm).You can buy a wooden square at an art supplies store.If you want to use cardboard, just use an old piece of a box.
Step 2: Take a sheet of newspaper and put it in a ball.
Make sure the newspaper stays bundled up by covering it with masking tape.You can use newspaper balls to build your mountain if you do this a few times.Depending on the size of your mountain, you may need about 10 balls of paper.There is no set size that your newspaper balls should be; you just need to make sure that they are dense enough to be sturdy and to support the papier-mache and paint that you will put on them.You can use aluminum foil to make these balls.Newspaper is also heavier than these.
Step 3: You can make a rough mountain shape by glueing the balls to the base.
The bottom layer of the mountain is created by glueing newspaper balls to your base.The bottom layer should be wide and long for the mountain to be.Attach the rest of the balls to the first balls and position them in a way that makes a rough mountain shape.If you want your mountain to be wide and flat, position your newspaper balls so that they create a wide, flat mountain surface.If you want your mountain to have a high peak, make a long, narrow ball and position it so that it points upwards.White craft glue can be used for this project.
Step 4: Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.
It will give you enough time to set your newspaper balls.If the newspaper balls are in an unstable position, you may need to hold them in place for a short time.
Step 5: In a medium-sized bowl, mix water and flour with equal parts.
The flour and water should be put into a bowl.When all the flour is mixed with the water, it's done.If you are concerned about the possibility of mold on the mountain, add a dash of salt.In order to get a smooth consistency, some people prefer to heat up this mixture over low heat.This is not absolutely necessary.
Step 6: Cut the newspaper into strips about 2.5 by 7.6 cm.
Use scissors or a newspaper to make these strips.If you want to, you can make them longer than 3 inches, but keep in mind that they will become more likely to rip and less easy to control.
Step 7: Put a strip of newspaper on your mountain.
As you remove the newspaper strip from the paste, slide it in between your thumb and forefinger to get rid of any excess paste.Lay it on the side of the mountain.It is important to remove the excess paste from your newspaper strips in order to cut down on the time it takes the papier-mache to dry.It is not important to make the strip look perfect when you put it on the mountain.You have a chance to do that later.
Step 8: Scrunch or smooth out the strip to add texture.
Pull the 2 ends of the strip closer together or push them further apart with your fingers.Scrunch the strip to make a rough or rocky spot, or smooth it out to give a flatter appearance to your mountain.When smoothing out your newspaper strip, be very careful; you may accidentally rip it.
Step 9: You have to repeat this process until you have a layer of strips on the mountain.
Continue to lay more strips on top of your mountain until it is completely covered.Feel free to add a second layer if the surface seems flimsy or thin.
Step 10: You should leave your mountain to dry.
Leaving it overnight will help ensure that it is as dry as possible before you paint it.If you want the best results, leave it to dry.Don't leave it to dry in a bathroom or garage.
Step 11: Water-based paint can give your mountain some color.
Grass, rocks, rivers, and snow can be depicted in a variety of colors.The papier-mache needs to be completely dry before you start painting.To create a legend in the corner of your base, use the paint colors to indicate what each color represents.
Step 12: You can sprinkle green sawdust on your mountain.
Many enthusiasts use green sawdust or shredded pieces of green paper to make their grass more three-dimensional.It's important to do this while the paint is still wet so that the dust doesn't stick to the green paint.There are arts and crafts stores that sell green sawdust and paper.
Step 13: You can add artificial trees, buildings, and anything else you want.
After the paint has dried, glue these to your mountain.These types of add-ons can be purchased at most arts and crafts stores.Lichen can be used to make small trees and bushes for your mountain.