A lightweight but durable polystyrene base is cut to size. For storage and flexibility this piece was selected to have three interchangeable sections.

Each of the polystyrene sections was glued onto a thick MDF board for strength and stability. Smaller sections were cut to form hills and outcrops which are also glued down at this stage.

A hot soldering iron was used to provide some shape and minimise straight edges along the chasms and pits. A good ventilation mask is required at this stage.

A sand and PVA mixture was applied to the surface to give texture.

A final layer of PVA varnishes and protects the upper surface, ready for paint application.

Each section was given a darker stone coloured base coat

My favourite part! All the wells and canyons had silicone applied to them. Texture was added by dragging the applicator through the surface to create waves. Some splatter up the edges looks great, but care must be taken to avoid too much as all must be painted later!

Each section is completed before moving on to the next stage

The lava is given a lighter colour, in this example a base coat of yellow is applied.

The yellow colour is dry brushed over with orange layers

Further darker orange layers are added

Finally, some red is added to give a really textured finish to the lava