Figures made from rigid foam boards

Paper-backed rigid foam boards, a Neuland No.One® Estatics, and a scroll saw. That's all you need to bring your drawn figures to life.

Let's go!

As with all crafts, you should carefully consider what you want to make before starting this project. Prepare the foam boards in the desired size and choose a design you'd like to draw on them. If you're not entirely confident using a marker, you can, of course, sketch it out with a pencil first.

I chose the Estatic from the marker range because it uses alcohol-based permanent ink, which is very practical for outlining on rigid foam boards. The lines dry very quickly and don't smudge when you run your hand over them. Also, some rigid foam boards are covered with paper that doesn't absorb water-based ink very well. Hence the Neuland No.One® Estatics. 🙂

Draw contours

As I said, you can also sketch the outlines with a pencil first and then trace over them with the marker. The important thing with marker outlines is to use really thick outlines – strong outer contours. You'll find out why when we get to sawing.

Ritsche, Ratsche

Now we come to sawing. If you don't have a saw, you can try cutting out the contours with a craft knife, but that's not so easy with curved lines. The easiest way is really with a scroll saw. It's like a large, motorized fret saw.

A good scroll saw also has a small built-in bellows that you can use to simply blow away the sawdust.

The saw blades used are very thin, like those used in a fret saw, so you have little "waste" and can saw around curves more easily.

Take your time sawing and try to cut along the contours as accurately as possible. Now it pays off that these lines are so thick. If you do happen to cut slightly off, it's not a big deal. 😉

Trace the contours

A small white border will usually remain next to the outlines, especially if you don't have much experience with the saw. But that's perfectly fine. Just take the static marker and trace over the contours again.

More plasticity

Now the famous shadow marker comes into play. A grey Neuland No.One® Art marker. Simply draw a shadow line next to the outlines on one side. You can also use it to completely fill in the darker areas. This can be done with quick strokes.

Complete!

It's hard to believe, but the whole thing didn't take long at all. And look at the effect! Isn't it amazing?
If you like, you can glue a nylon thread to the back and hang it up. Or you can simply place your little work of art on a shelf. It's sturdy enough.

Have fun trying it out.

🙂

You need:

• Rigid foam boards, e.g. Kapa Plast or Kapa Line in the appropriate size
• Marker for the outlines: Neuland No.One® Estatics, Item No.: 8165.0100
• Marker for the shaded areas: Neuland No.One® Art, grey, Item No.: 8059.0101
• Scroll saw, e.g. B. Hegner Multicut
• Perhaps some sandpaper if the edges are a bit frayed after sawing.

Want to order from Austria or Switzerland ? No problem! Simply enter the item numbers into the search function of the respective shop and you're good to go.