How to Make a 3D Continent Map of Australia

Level

Time

Budget

This 3D map is a great way to teach children about continents and the contours and shapes of countries. It is easy to make a map of Australia with a little air dry clay and some paint. Use an image of a physical map, that shows different colours for different gradients, as a reference point to build up texture in your map.

Perfect as a school project

Print Page

You will need

Corrugated Coloured Paper A4 10 Pack

Is $ 3.49 , was $ 4.49

Quantity: 1

Subtotal

Is $ 3.49 , was $ 4.49

Select

Product no image — Sold out

Acrylic Paint Set 75ml 12 Pack

Is $ 33.00

Quantity: 1

Subtotal

Is $ 33.00

Select

White Air Drying Clay 1kg

Is $ 6.49

Quantity: 1

Subtotal

Is $ 6.49

Select

You’ve viewed 2 of 3 products

Total:

How to make

Step-1

Begin by cutting a piece of foam board to 18 inch square and paint blue for the sea.

Step-2

Using an atlas or printed out image as a guide or template, sketch out the main land mass for your continent (in this case, Australia) on A3 paper. Place it on top of a piece of corrugated card and cut out.

Step-3

Arrange the corrugated card onto the foam board and use PVA glue to stick it in place.

Step-4

Using a physical map as a reference point, gradually built up the land mass using air dry clay. Begin by putting a thin layer all over the card, then build up the higher areas using more lumps of clay. Go over the edges of the card so that the land smooths into the sea. For the smaller land masses, mark out the shapes in pencil and add the clay direct to the board. Make sure you leave at least 10cm square without any land so that you can add a key. Leave to dry overnight.

Step-5

Once the clay has dried paint the continent. You can use your physical map as reference once again. Begin by painting the entire land mass with the main colour, such as beige. When this is dry, add the other colours. Blend the colours by taking a dry brush and stippling the colours together.

Step-6

Finally, make a key for your map. We used blue card, wrote out the heights in black pen and added the colours from our map. Glue in place.

Related Products

5 Fun Back to School Crafts

Dream up amazing artworks with the BLOPENS Fantasy Activity Set! You’ll be able to create dazzling airbrush pictures with airbrush colour effects. The set includes eight colourful BLOPENS, along with six reusable stencils that feature butterflies, fairies and more. Place a ...

18 Christmas Crafts for Kids

How to Create an Earth Structure Flipbook

Get creative with this fantastic pack of A4 Black Card, just waiting to be cut, folded, decorated and more! Ideal for papercrafts, scrapbooking, kids' crafts and so much more, this quality card is perfect for brightening up a dull afternoon. ...

How to Make a Halloween Mache House Play Set

Project by Hobbycraft Artisan: Rebecca Green Find out more. This Hanging Wooden Door Sign is perfect for adding a personalised detail to your home! Add names and other words to this sign with pyrography techniques, paint, glitter or carving. It'll ...

How to Make a Personalised Initial Banner

We've teamed up with our pals at Puffin to celebrate their new children's book, Weirdo, written by Zadie Smith and Nick Laird, illustrated by Magenta Fox. Weirdo follows the story of Maud, a judo suit wearing guinea pig who is ...

How to Make a Scottish Flag for St Andrew's Day

This Hanging Wooden Door Sign is perfect for adding a personalised detail to your home! Add names and other words to this sign with pyrography techniques, paint, glitter or carving. It'll make a lovely sign for doors, or perhaps even ...