I would suggest Ethafoam too - we use it extensively in conservation. It can
be easily shaped in profile on a bandsaw, rounded and contoured with rasp, and
details can be cut in with a hot knife/tool. It does have a rough, coarse
texture - that may be an issue for you. I would contact a company that
manufactures foam sheeting (Dow for example) and asked them for samples. Ethafoam is a
product name - it is actually closed cell polyethylene foam).

Here are a couple of distributors that I found off of the OSG-L disucssion
list (Objects Specialty Group of the AIC) there are probablyfoam suppliers
closer to you in California:

You can purchase ethafoam from: Republic Packaging
                               9160 S. Green Street
                               Chicago, Illinois
                                (312)233-6530


They sell 2lb. density planks (4' X 9') in a variety of thicknesses
including 1/2", 1", 2" and 4".


 Ethafoam is available from United Foam, Georgetown, MA, 978-352-2200.
 1" thick sheet is $34.50.
 4# and 6# (harder) cost more. They have a $250 minimum. You can call them
 to see if you can get it any thicker, in the past I have either hot glued
 or hot melted 2" thick planks to get thicker pieces.


Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Artifacts
2930 South Birch Street
Denver, CO  80222
3093-300-5257
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