How to Make a Figurine Made of Styrofoam

Styrofoam is commonly used as packing material and come in a variety of shapes, boards and colors. Styrofoam figurines although solid are very light and can float. They can be purchased at most craft stores or home decorating department stores. The price for these Styrofoam figurines depends on the size and intricacy of the design. If you are creative, you can make Styrofoam figurines from the comfort of your own home and making these are moderately easy. All you need is a few supplies and a steady hand.

Below are a list of the things that you will need;

Styrofoam block
Variety of Styrofoam figurines
Stencil
Pen
Pencil
Paper
Scissors
Pins
Box Cutter
Small utility knife
Toothpicks
Craft glue
Spray paint
Newspaper and painters tape

Step 1
Decide on the figurine that you want to create. If you are unable to get the desired figurines from shops, find a stencil in the desired shape for your Styrofoam figurine and then sketch it out while keeping the figure simple.

Step 2:
Get your Styrofoam figurine and prepare your pieces. You can use plastic stencils, print pictures from your computer.

Step 3
Place your Styrofoam on a hard, flat surface. Then position your stencil on top of the Styrofoam. Adjust the stencil so that it is where you want the figurine to be. A flat surface will help to hold the Styrofoam steady while you are cutting it. Once you start cutting you won't be able to make adjustments.

Step 4
Cut your Styrofoam to the desired size using the utility knife. Clean them before and after using on Styrofoam. Make sure to put some newspapers under the surface where you are cutting so you don't destroy the tabletop or other surface.

Step 4:
Connect the pieces. Smear a thin layer of glue on either side of the two pieces you are going to connect. Then place some glue at the end of a toothpick and stick them between the two sides as an anchor. Keep gluing until each piece is secured. Prop the figure in a safe place to dry thoroughly.

Step 5:
Decorate the pieces. Once the glue is dry, spray paint your figure as desired. Spray paint works well on Styrofoam since it is very porous. Remember to cover those places that you do not want to be painted with newspaper taped with painters tape.

Tips
You can glue on button eyes to give your figure more personality. Spray paint and other adornments can be found at craft stores. You can also go online to find pieces that match the figurines that you need.

Warnings
While spray painting, if you plan to use more than one color, then allow each portion to fully dry.