TECHNIQUE | dominicamaps

The Process

First a scaled map is applied to the various sizes of plywood backing board.

Then the rope is attached around the edge if so required. Those with a case usually don't have the rope border. The rope is then painted white and then a papier-mache mixture of tissue paper and strong wood glue gives the best texture for the mountains. The mixture is applied around the coastline marking all the rivers exits and all the positions of the mountains.

When the coastline and mountain markers are dry, then the long and painstaking job of applying the mixture to form the valleys ridges and mountains until a rough shape of the island has been achieved. Forming the letters of the word Dominica also. As this is drying over several days or even weeks depending on the size, more mixture is added and reformed and reformed again until the required elevations and shapes have been achieved. Then it is left to dry until rock hard.

Then time to paint the various shades of green to create the elevations, usually a darker green for the mountain tops and a lighter shade for down in the valleys with all the details in between. After the paint is dry, the different coloured cotton threads are added to mark out the borders of the Forest Reserves, Parishes and Roads and then the Waitukubuli National Trail. Next all the markers for the Trail Segments, Forest Reservesand the 40 or more various beauty spots like Emerald Pool etc. Also the markers for the 50+ Dive Sites.

Next the weeks of backbreaking and frustrating detail putting all the village names, numbers, oceans, dive sites, nature sites, mountains & elevations, and Caribbean island inset.

Then if the case is required, it is built around, glass cut to size, wood stained and varnished and there you go !

EASY ! ??