[MAGNA]

This is still in progress and will end up much thicker.

What you need.

A simple pine frame to go around the edges.

A sheet to fold around the frame. I am going to use a plastic sheet later so it can fit better.

When you are finished with your diorama or game you only need to remove models and terrain features. Follow that by folding the sheet back over to form a bag which holds your groundwork. Place this into a strong plastic rubbish bag and remove the pine frame. The table is now ready for other use until next time.

INGREDIENTS for the 'sand'.

You can by large bags of recycled finely shredded paper from craft shops. It's usually used for paper mache etc. and is very light.

I have used a quarter of a bag so far.

Next, get some cat litter. The light sand type is good. Crush as needed. I am experimenting with different types as I go.

Next - Poster paints - powdered or premixed. Bright green and yellow are best.

Mix some of the paint and pour it on the crushed cat litter and paper - do a bit at a time though or you will be in trouble. Squeeze the paint through the 'sand' mixture as if you are mixing dough. Add more mixed paint as needed (if you get the premixed poster paint add water to it or it will be too thick).

Spread the mix out to dry. When it dries off a bit you can pick up handfulls and rub it to make the bits smaller if they have stuck together.

When you have enough set up your table and pour the mix in.

Now the good part. You can form hills and gullies easily, add trees etc. You can also add some different coloured mix to make tracks or roads.

Now spray either more mixed paint or just water finely over your setting. The cat litter (if you get the right type) will clump and set the top of your groundwork nicely.

It doesn't matter if your colours mix when you pack it up because you can always spray more of the right colour on next time (you don't need an airbrush - just use a spray bottle).

And there you have it. Set up and photograph, display, or play, then pack it up in a few minutes afterwards. No more hills etc to make and store / cart.