For a more even background, trace the box onto black paper. Cut out the paper rectangle and tape it to the base of the box.
One large ball to make the sun (maximum 4" / 10 cm across) Two medium balls to make Jupiter and Saturn (maximum 3" / 7. 5 cm) Two small balls to make Uranus and Neptune (maximum 2" / 5 cm)
If you’re not sure whether a paint works on polystyrene, check the label for brush cleaning instructions. If you can wash off the paint with water, the paint is water-based and safe to use. If you need to use a solvent like white spirit or turpentine, the paint is solvent-based and may dissolve polystyrene. [1] X Research source
A stenciling brush or other short-bristled brush will help you get the paint to stick into the nooks and crannies on your polystyrene ball. You might need to let the first coat dry and use a larger brush to paint over it for an even color. If the paint doesn’t stick at all, cover the ball with a thin layer of spackle, let it dry, and paint over that. [2] X Research source
Jupiter’s clouds form bands and spiral storms. Paint this planet with red, orange, and white paint, swirled into patterns. Saturn is pale yellow (a mix of yellow and white paint).
Paint Uranus a pale blue, made by mixing blue and white paint together. White clouds sometimes form over the solid blue atmosphere. [5] X Research source Neptune is almost the same color as Uranus, but looks darker because it’s farther away and receives less light. [6] X Research source Paint it blue.
Poke the hole through Saturn at an angle, so the rings will be tilted when the planet is hanging down. This will look better and give you a little extra room to arrange the planets. To cut out the ring, start by cutting out the larger circle. Fold the circle gently in half without creasing it, then cut around the smaller circle.
Mercury is a brownish gray rock, with no cloud cover. [7] X Research source You can make it out of red or gold clay instead for a prettier model. Make Earth out of blue clay for now. Make Venus out of pale yellow clay. Pluto is technically not a planet (it’s too small), but it can sneak in anyway. Make it out of light brown clay, maybe with some charcoal mixed in to imitate its blotchy surface.
For light colored clay, it’s a good idea to set your oven about 10ºF (~5ºC) lower than the instructions recommend. This can take twice as long to bake, but the chance of breaking is lower.
Each length of beading thread should be long enough to hang a planet from the “ceiling” of the box, when the box is on its side. Five or six inches (13–15 cm) should be enough.
Sun Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto
