Scenic Sculpture Process Photos

Step 1. Enlarge your image so that it is roughly 24x36 inches. (You will probably need to print on several pieces of paper. If so, apply tape the entire length of the seams on both the front and the back of the papers. You will later be cutting this image into multiple pieces, and you'll want these original seams to be solid.) Transfer the outline of the entire image with a sharpie on foam.

Step 2. Determine what parts of the image will be furthest back (on only the bottom layer of your sculpture) and cut those areas away from your image. Leave these areas on your bottom layer and outline the rest of the image on the next layer of foam.

Step 3. Repeat the process of cutting away each layer and outlining the next.

In the end, you will have cut your image into layers, with only the most prominent features on the top layer.

Step 4. Cut each layer out with a jig saw or band saw. Glue the layers of foam together, giving yourself a "block" of reference lines from which to sculpt. Use the 3M #74 foam glue. Follow the instructions on the can - apply to both sides, let each side dry until "aggressively tacky" and then press the two sides together. Let it sit overnight.

Step 5. Use a pounce wheel to transfer the internal lines of the image, then trace over the pounce wheel with a sharpie. This essentially transfers the entire image to each layer of foam. Then dive in and start cutting. There are an infinite number of tools that cost lots of money, but I've found that a serrated kitchen knife and sand paper work the best.