foam_core

Page history last edited by Linda McD 2 years, 7 months ago

How to use foam-core in projects for dollhouses, roomboxes and dioramas

Please add content to this page as this is a question that wiki visitors are dying to know.

There are similar products to foam-core, primarily used as an alternative to wood. See the research section.

Foamcore is wonderful stuff . You can make it look like bricks, books wood, cobblestones, create a roombox, and all sorts. Really surprising how sturdy it is!

This page also includes information about builders foam, which also has a variety of uses, from making a landscaping base for your dollhouse, to creating whole scenes. Also see walls, floors, castles. There are some videos on the villages page which show how to create mountains, and roads.

How to use foam-core in projects for dollhouses, roomboxes and dioramas

Links to miniature projects


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photo albums, blog posts, webpages

Inside Outside Project - by Rita

Blogs

Blogs concentrating on foamcore or categories/labels about it in blogs

Groups

Discussion groups, forums (or forum categories) and photo groups dedicated to foamcore.

Supplies for sale

Supplies needed for making foamcore projects.

Diy Foam Cutter - The blade extends on one side for 90-degree cuts and 45-degree cuts on the
other side. You can download a user guide from the website and you can get
them from Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Dick Blick.

Foamboard Source - a wide variety of foam core and alternatives

Foamcore Heaven

Foamwerks - clips designed to attach walls together

Styrofoam Brand Foam Crafts - although many projects are RL size, there are tips and tricks here, and a club to join.

Taskboard - from Dick Blick, link includes definition and use.

Miniatures for sale

Do you have a section for foamcore in your shop? Add a direct link to that item here.

Books

Books about miniature foamcore projects (also books with chapters about them)

Instructions for miniatures

Miniature printables

Wallpapers

Wallpapers that go well with foamcore projects

Other Printies

Book/magazine covers related to foamcore

Videos

YouTube videos about miniature projects related to this subject

Barrel Chairs and Farm Table Set - from Tammy Curry

Research/ Inspiration

Blue Foam, Pink Foam and Foamboard - definitions and illustrations

FAQ about Gatorboard - from About.com

Taskboard - from About.com

Taskboard

Tips/Hints

build a roombox from a $store picture frame and foam-core (see Santa)
use a fresh knife to cut and change frequently to prevent the paper cover from tearing.
do several cuts rather than trying to cut all the way through in one pass
curves can be accomplished by making parallel cuts in the paper opposite to the side you want to bend. The cut side will need to be covered with wallpaper or something to smooth it out.
Secure sides together with straight pins and then use masking tape over the outside corner.
Cons= Foam core is fragile, dents easily and warps. Go to a picture framing shop and ask for Mighty Board. It has a denser core, still light and will not warp. More expensive but way worth it. Gatorboard is also good but more expensive and hard to get. Sintra is another alternative.
Builders foam - if there is construction going on in your ares, keep your eye on the insulation the builder uses. There are frequently bits of the extruded (not extended) polystyrene insulation to be had for nothing - they would go into the trash! or put a request on Freecycle in your area for this product
To make various sized cookie or chocolate boxes, cut 1/4" foam core into appropriate sizes and cover with candy wrappers -- look good on a shop shelf.