How to Make Fake Icebergs

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Things You'll Need

  • Reference pictures

  • Plastic foam block

  • Saw

  • Knife

  • Nail

  • White acrylic or Styrofoam-safe spray paint

  • Light blue acrylic or Styrofoam-safe spray paint

Capture the majesty of icebergs by creating your own model.

Icebergs are extremely large pieces of ice that are formed on land and float along a lake, sea or ocean. Fake icebergs can have multiple uses, from party decorations to film and stage props to a school science project. Because icebergs come in many shapes, you can create an iceberg that is ideal for your creative or scientific whims.

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Step 1

Select one or several reference pictures that depict the shape and texture of icebergs. To create an accurate resemblance of the iceberg, at least one picture should show the shape of the iceberg underwater.

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Step 2

Set your plastic foam block on a clean, dry workspace. Use a saw to cut away pieces from the block until the mass roughly matches the same overall shape of the iceberg you would like to duplicate.

Step 3

Cut away small portions of the foam mass, using a knife to detail the iceberg's shape. Continue to cut away small chunks of foam until you are satisfied with the iceberg's overall shape.

Step 4

Add texture to the iceberg, duplicating any ridges or cracks that you see in the reference picture, using a nail. Press the tip of the nail into the foam and use it to rough the sides of the iceberg, creating a more realistic rendering. Continue to detail until you are satisfied with the iceberg's overall look.

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Step 5

Move the iceberg to a well-ventilated area. Spray the entire foam mass white, using spray paint. Allow the paint to thoroughly dry before continuing to the next step.

Step 6

Add icy shadows to the iceberg by spraying light blue spray paint into the cracks and crevices you detailed. Use your reference picture as a guide when adding these artistic embellishments.

Tip

Add bits of dry ice around your fake iceberg to give it a cold, misty feel.

Place small model penguins or polar bears on the iceberg for an added bit of Arctic realism.

Warning

Wear gloves when working with knives and saws.

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references & resources