Trying to think of something a MAZE ing

I used a single block of XPS foam to carve out some shapes to represent rock formations.  I could have made each stone out of a separate piece, but I figured that by carving each piece to look like several rocks, it would negate the need to glue them together and possibly add some structural integrity to them.

To do this, I used a sharp knife and just took my time.  I tried my best to create some interesting angles to some of them so that they didn’t end up looking like they were all carved from foam that was the same thickness.

I used 4 different heights of foam blocks.  I am hoping that it is not too obvious that, in reality, these are just made from the same 4 repeated shapes.

Once carved into shape, I then used a ball of scrunched up tinfoil to make a rocky-like texture.   I do have a rock-textured roller that I could have used, but just fancied keeping this old school.

Finally, the rocks were stuck down with hot glue.

I then mixed some beach sand, PVA glue, and some coloured oxide powder.  I am not sure what it is called in different places, but it is a material mixed with cement to create coloured cement.

Honestly, the oxide is completely optional.   I like to use it as it makes it really easy to see what has been covered with PVA and what hasn’t.

Next up was some Matt Mod Podge, which I had left over from my Dungeonalia build.  This I had mixed with black paint.  Again, the paint is completely optional, but it does help to show what you have covered with this stuff and what you have missed.

The Sand, PVA, Oxide mix was applied to the base and the Mod Podge to the rock formations.  I gave the rock formations two coats for some extra protection.

Once dry I used an Oak Brown spray to dust over the whole thing to create a good undercoat to build up from.

I also added a few other elements to the bases to give some variety.  Like this head, for example.  Apparently, a little head should never be overlooked.

This was 3D printed on one of my filament printers just so Sundancer can zoom in on it to admire the mould lines 🙂  (I joke, of course)

I have a few bits of this large statue that will be scattered around and eventually covered, to some degree, with plant life and weathering.

I rather like the idea of there being some obviously man-made elements in this forest.  Who built them, how long ago, why were they built, so many questions.

So that is where I am up to at the moment.  Work is pretty busy for me at this time of year, and the heat is almost unbearable.  It makes it very hard to get motivated, although drying time for things is ridiculously fast.

I have a few other elements that have to be added before I can start painting and then detailing.   Also, possibly a few electronics that I may add to the build.  Time restraints permitting, of course.