The Tundra

• Choose the type of tundra you would like to represent. There are two types of tundra: arctic and alpine. The arctic tundra exists only in the northernmost regions of the northern hemisphere and is characterized by cold temperatures, a short growing season and a layer of permafrost below the surface soil. Low shrubs, mosses and grasses are common in the arctic tundra, as are small mammals, caribou, arctic foxes, wolves and polar bears. The alpine tundra exists at high altitudes and can be found worldwide. The alpine tundra does not possess the layer of permafrost found in the arctic tundra. Common life found in the arctic tundra includes grasses, dwarf trees, shrubs, small mammals, mountain goats, elk and grouse.
  
  

The Tundra Base

• Coat a piece of plywood or particle board with several layers of varnish to reduce warping-causing moisture from penetrating the base. Attach a felt square to the bottom of the base to prevent it from scratching surfaces. Attach pieces of architect paper or Styrofoam to the base to build up land irregularities. Arctic tundra tends to be fairly flat, while alpine tundra has more variations. Use plaster of Paris, spackling compound, wood putty or modeling putty to smooth out your land formations. If you wish to add large boulders, press them into the putty before it has dried. Seal the putty with a layer of varnish. Paint your land formations with base colors. For example, snowy regions can be painted white and grassy regions can be painted green or brown. Allow varnish, glue, putty and paint to dry thoroughly between each step. Architect paper, Styrofoam, putty, paint and craft glue are all available at most craft stores.
  
  

The Tundra Landscape

• Add water features before adding snow or vegetation. Spread the liquid modeling water in the desired location and allow it to dry. Mix one part white glue with one part water and apply the glue mixture to the landscape using a paintbrush. For best results, work on one small area at a time. Sprinkle static model grass, snow or sand onto the glue. If you are using water effects, add snow along the edge of the water features to represent freezing water. Allow the glue to dry, blow off excess grass, snow or sand, and repeat as necessary. Add small rocks or pebbles to the landscape using the same method. After the basic landscape is set, start adding additional features such as shrubs and dwarf trees by adding a drop or two of non-diluted white glue to the landscape and pressing the base of the plant into the glue. Use dwarf trees sparingly for alpine tundras and not at all for arctic tundras. Modeling grass, sand, snow and water effects can be purchased at most craft stores.
  
  

The Finishing Touches

• Add wildlife to your tundra by gluing model figurines of animals to your diorama. Add a drop or two of non-diluted white glue to the location you would like to place your animal, then press the base of the figurine into the glue. If you prefer to create your own animal figurines, use craft clay to design them and allow them to dry thoroughly before attaching them to your diorama. Craft clay and model figurines are available in various sizes at most craft stores. To create a flying bird effect, cut a length of craft wire and insert one end of the wire into the model bird and bend the other end of the wire at a right angle. Glue the bent end of the wire to the diorama and cover the wire with additional modeling grass, sand or snow. Fish, such as salmon, are often found in alpine tundras and can be added to the water effects before they dry.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Sketch a tundra scene before you begin your diorama. Consider the type of scene you would like to display. For instance, if you are focusing on the landscape itself, you may want to forgo the use of animal figurines. Alternatively, if you are focusing on animal life in the tundra, you will want to consider the habits of the animals you are focusing on. Caribou travel in herds, for example, while polar bears tend to travel individually. Consider also the season you wish to focus on. Although tundras are generally cooler than most other regions, they still possess a growing season. A tundra winter, frozen and without many signs of active wildlife, can be much different than a tundra summer, with wildlife more active and plants growing.