Uploaded September 2017 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
In this model, a thin layer pack sits on a sheet of paper which is pulled against a backstop (a rigid "continent"). It's as basic as it gets...but it still produces the types of patterns you can see in the real world. All you need to do this is a long sheet of paper, some very fine colored sand, and some sort of anchored backstop that the paper can slide under to have the sand layers scraped off of its surface. If you want to see what's inside the model, check out the video about gelling and slicing models below.
Ironically, the sand sold at Hobby Lobby is BY FAR the best material for this type of simple desktop experiment. It's extremely fine and makes beautiful, crisp structures at this small scale.
In this model, a thin layer pack sits on a sheet of paper which is pulled against a backstop (a rigid "continent"). It's as basic as it gets...but it still produces the types of patterns you can see in the real world. All you need to do this is a long sheet of paper, some very fine colored sand, and some sort of anchored backstop that the paper can slide under to have the sand layers scraped off of its surface. If you want to see what's inside the model, check out the video about gelling and slicing models below.
Ironically, the sand sold at Hobby Lobby is BY FAR the best material for this type of simple desktop experiment. It's extremely fine and makes beautiful, crisp structures at this small scale.
