Stage 1

Starting with a sheet of 1" insulation foam, draw a grid of 1" squares. Cut out each layer of the temple with a sharp blade to make a series of progressively smaller levels as you go up.

Stage 2

In the centre of each level, mark a 2" wide by 1/2" deep area for the step. Then cut out the step with your blade. When you stack the levels of the temple, these cutouts will suggest ascending steps.

Stage 3

Cut V-shaped grooves into the 1" grid of each tier of the ziggurat. Chip away random chunks of foam to give the piece an ancient and timeworn quality.

Stage 4

Glue each level to the one below. Here, you can see how the levels stack atop one another. Each layer can be used to create ziggurats of varying heights.

Stage 5

When the Ziggurat is assembled, paint a layer of watered-down wood glue over the foam. As most aerosol primers will dissolve foam, this layer of glue will protect your scenery when dry and allow you to spray prime it.

The Finished Lizardmen Ziggurat & Cool Other Ideas

Above Left: Once the Ziggurat was assembled and painted, plastic aquarium plants and green flock were glued to the finished foam terrain. The addition of plastic plants and foliage enhances the ancient, overgrown appearance of the piece.