Earth Bead Scale Model, Part 1: The Interior

In thinking about these, I am also thinking about what is available for use. Large, concrete pipe comes to mind, some of which is large enough for a human being to walk through. For these scale models, I went to Home Depot and purchased these 5″ diameter pvc pipe joints. I’ll use them as the structure over which the earth will be molded.

 

Earth Beads Scale Model, Part 2: Making the Dirt Stay Put and Adding Grass Seed

It was important to me to create the roundness of the bead and bead hole. I decided on loose weave burlap and straw to  create the body of the bead. I then added more slightly moist dirt until the shape was in place, supported and secure. Grass seed was lightly raked into the entire surface and the whole bead spritzed lightly to encourage grass growth but avoiding any sloughing  to which overly wet dirt is prone.

At this point, it’s daily spritzing and waiting for the seed to root so that the dirt is better held in place.

 

Scale Model With Scale Model

I love Photoshop.