Okay, we have reviewed the parts and materials and what we are going to make. Let's build the diorama. On this page I show you how to make the dungeon floor which includes a useful technique called dry-brushing.

Let's start by making the base of the diorama. This is the floor of the dungeon. I laid out a grid of one inch squares. My diorama base is 8" x 11" which is the size of a standard sheet of paper. I made it this size just as an example diorama. You can make it any size you want.

Then I cut into all those lines with an x-acto knife. Go about a 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.

Next open up those cuts using a blunted pencil. Press firmly into the cracks as you slide the pencil along each cut. You want to create nice deep and wide grooves in the foam.

Now paint those grooves. Use a watery black paint and really get it into the grooves so none of the pink shows. ( I used Apple Barrel Black Acrylic paint)

Then paint the whole base black.

We finish off the dungeon floor by dry brushing on a grey paint. I use a technique called "dry-brushing". This is where you put paint on the brush then wipe most of it off on a rag. Then you lightly and quickly brush over the surface of the foam. THis give it a nice look and only applies paint to the squares. It doesn't get into the grooves you created.

I used Apple Barrel Pewter Grey

This video here shows you the dry-brushing technique. The video is set to start right where I do the dry brushing - Dry brushing the dungeon floor

And here the dry brushing is complete. It looks great. You can alter the tint of the dungeon floor depending on how much dry-brushing you do. More brushing will make it more grey.

Okay, Let's continue and make the walls of the diorama

DOW Craft Styrofoam Foam Sheets, 1 x 24 x 48, (4 sheets)

• 1 Inch Dow Craft Styrofoam Foam Sheets, 1 x 24 x 48, pak 4
• High density Dow Styrofoam craft foam
• Boxed and Shiipped to your door
• Over sized packages, low actual weight, but UPS calculates dimensional weight of approximately 30-35 lbs
• Paintable