What materials would you need to buid a set design?

Question

I am designing a small scale model set design for the play "A Raisin in the Sun" I tried building the set design with clay but it keeps breaking off. I was thinking about using paper but what type should I use?

Any other suggestions on materials that are good to use to make models of staircases, furnitures, buildings, etc

Answer 1

Foamcore--cut it with an Xacto knife and glue it with Elmers.  Don't use hot glue because it will melt the foam.  Hold it together with straight pins until it dries.  It comes in white and black but you can paint it or cover it with decorative papers to achieve the look you want...i.e.  clay(?)

Answer 2

I love doing this type of stuff.  I have a supply of recyclable stuff in my room.   If you don't have a lot of money (like I don't), you can re-use all sorts of goodies.



One thing that is important would be a good X-acto knife set.  For mini working, you need clean precise cuts.  And, the E-6000 craft glue works on most stuff.  Balsa wood is also really easy to work with.  Then, again, I don't know what your budget is like.

I would prefer to use poster board and a good quality craft glue, specifically for paper products.  If you are on a tight budget, there's the cardboard of the cereal boxes and other packaging.  Plastic bits salvaged from packaging makes good "window glass".   Plastic lids of all sizes and shapes can be made into wheels, trash cans, street lights, or chandeliers..... you get my drift?  Straws can be cut into pieces to resemble glasses.

And, paper mache  would be a good medium for larger pieces.  I'm not sure what you were making out of clay.  If I knew what you needed to make , it would be easier to give you better ideas.

If you need boxes and that kind of stuff, like I mentioned; get the cast and crew to donate their recyclable goodies to the cause.

Feel free to e-mail me, if you are interested in more ideas.

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Answer 3

if you are going to use paper I would suggest construction paper because it is sturdy and you can get it in different colors. For making 'structural' items, balsa wood works best and you can get it at any craft shop prettty cheap. Michael's is a great place for that kind of stuff.