How do you make a topographical (3D) map?

[3DisneyGals&1Grumpy]

I know the Disboards are full of creative people so I thought I would turn here for help.

Somehow I have ended up being in charge of making a 3D map for Girl Scouts Thinking Day.

I was told that I will only have 1 one hour meeting (this Friday) for the girls to make it but the map will not be presented for two weeks at Thinking Day.

I am scared to use modeling clay because I am afraid it will dry out or become damaged during the two weeks we will have to wait to present it.

Everything I have researched/read requires using paper mache. We will not have time for the paper mache to dry and paint during one hour.

I am hoping you guys will have some great ideas. By the way, the map is of New Zealand.

Thanks in advance!

 

[englishteacha]

What about that Sculpy clay? Or whatever it is that hardens on its own (and is supposed to do so!).

 

[MaryKLady]

I did one years ago mixing play sand and white glue.

 

[anotherdismom]

my dd9 just did a "salt map" i only know that it needed lots of salt and baking soda. Or could you use home made play dough and let it dry out?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

As a kid, we made them out of salt dough (google, it's a basic craft recipe.) You could probably make one out of the Crayola air dry clay, but depending on size, that may be cost prohibitive.

One thing that jumped out at me- you'd probably want them to be able to make it and then paint it. One meeting isn't going to give you time for it to dry and then decorate.

And don't feel too bad getting suckered into the map, some how I ended up in charge of the whole darn Thinking Day (the whole shebang + my troop's country.)

 

[Lovedisney77]

You could use cardboard (layering it to the right contours and cutting it into the right shapes) then could cover it in felt or paint it.

 

[sydneysmom]

when we did this (it seems like a million years ago!) we made a mixture of flour, salt and water. Then you mold it to however you want...it'll dry like a rock and you can paint it however you'd like.

and as I found out when I was in 3rd grade, NOT as good to snack on as choc chip cookie dough !

 

[Vijoge]

when we did this (it seems like a million years ago!) we made a mixture of flour, salt and water. Then you mold it to however you want...it'll dry like a rock and you can paint it however you'd like.

and as I found out when I was in 3rd grade, NOT as good to snack on as choc chip cookie dough !

This

 

[3DisneyGals&1Grumpy]

Thanks for the great ideas. I decided to go with the Sculpey clay. It will be easier and quicker since we have such limited time.