big name upholstery shops use a type of thermoplastic,that is heated, and put under a vacuum through particle board... the same way a sign shop pulls lexan sign faces.they can do flames, scallops, what ever you want embossed into it.i imagine if you could get it hot enough, it could be formed down over a buck. 2x4's, some particle board, and a belt sander would probibly get you going. if you made up a buck, and got the plastic sheet, a sign shop would probibly pull one for you for a reasonable price.