These topographic cork notice boards from Craftiosity are really novel and I’ve never seen another kit like this before. I’m always amazed at how good all these craft subscription companies are at coming up with new exciting things for people to try! 

Included in the kit was: 

• A5 cork boards – thick x2
• A5 cork boards – thin x4
• Watercolour paints
• PVA glue
• Paintbrush
• Wall hangers x2
• Paper template

The paper template was cleverly done as it was all on one sheet of paper and used in a reductive way, trimming away each section to create the subsequent smaller sections as you cut each one out of the cork board. The thicker pieces of cork were used as the bases and the thinner pieces used to create the topographic effect, building up layer by layer. The thin cork was very easy to cut with a standard pair of kitchen scissors.

Once each layer was cut out the paint could be applied to the parts that would be showing. Each board had a colour theme and different shades of that colour were used to add to the illusion of depth. In addition to the equipment provided in the kit you also needed a palette or dish to mix your paints on to achieve the lighter and darker shades of the blue and yellow and a pot for water, as well as the scissors.

The last stage was to glue the layers in place and leave to dry. Aside from the drying time which is often a factor in craft projects, this kit was really quick to make. The paint dried quickly on the cork board so I didn’t have to wait too long before glueing them together. The boards were reluctant to stick even with heavy books on top as recommended in the instructions and I did add some extra glue to a couple of the layers and left them to dry again, but second time around they had all stuck together nicely. This is a really fun kit to do and the finished pieces would be great in a kids bedroom, although I might be able to find a place for mine once my studio rejuvenation is finally complete!