How to Make Dioramas and Miniature Landscapes

A short history of dioramas and miniature scenes

Where did miniature scenes get their start?

The art of miniature figures and landscapes has been around a very long time. In Japan the art of miniature landscapes is called "Bonkei" and it is thought to have first made its appearance in the sixth century. The art of "Bonsai", which is the art of growing miniature trees in pots and making them look like their natural counterparts is thought to have its origins at around this same time period.

Today the arts of Bonkei and Bonsai are still practiced and are worldwide in their appeal. And the art of miniature landscape design has grown and improved. Today this art has become an active pursuit in the role playing genre and in the collecting of model trains. Over the past several decades amateur railroad designers have perfected the craft and technique of building miniature landscapes and there are many good books and ready to buy materials that can help you build great landscapes.

This scene is a fantasy miniature that I created as a tutorial for making your own diorama. The tutorial takes you through every step of the process from building the frame to wiring it up for lights.You can check out the tutorial here

Dioramas are a perfect way to show and express the world both from the past and from the four corners of the globe. Here is a great example of a pair of dioramas that give a distinct feel of the Thousand And One Arabian Knights