This is my first time participating in a Crafster Challenge, but I was excited to dig in and go for it!  After playing with a few different ideas, I decided to create a map of the world using a cardboard base covered in papier mache, with pebbles for the continents.  This was a great project because I did not have to buy any new materials!  I found cardboard in the recycling area of my apartment building, I used paper from an old law textbook that had no more value as a book (in fact, I had previously carved this paper out of the book to make a secret box), and I found plenty of pebbles on the grounds of my law school!

Here is my finished project!



I started by using my scissors to cut out a cardboard base, and several layers to form an ellipse frame.  (Using this handy ellipse drawing method: http://www.mathopenref.com/constellipse1.html )



Then I added more layers for some foundational topography.  I had thought the finished product would have a much more 3D, globular look than it actually did:



I tore up paper, mixed it with water, and blended it in my food processor.  Then I scooped it into a bowl and added flour to give it more structure and strength.  For the frame I added brewed coffee for color, and for the ocean I used a daub of ultramarine blue acrylic paint.



I didn't have the patience (or time) to let the layers of papier mache dry naturally, so I helped them along by putting my project in the oven on the lowest setting (170F).  The piece was too big to close the oven door, but the method worked, though it did cause the edges to curl up a bit.



I had also planned to make a compass with scissor points for the arrows, but I ran out of steam (and time), so I only got it started.



Once I had all the papier mache built up, I printed out continents from my computer, cut them out, and traced them onto the ocean.  Then, using another layer of papier mache, I added in the stones!  I'm not sure how durable it is, but in the end I think the project came together rather well!  It was fun to participate!