In this part of the tutorial we begin the making of the diorama.

Let's take a look at what we are making. It is a box and with it are six layers. Each layer has some scenery on it. The building (Biltmore castle) is one layer. The orange garden sculpture is another layer. The columns are each on a layer. So, we are making a box. And then we will slide in each of the layers.

It is a box and you can see by this picture that there are six layers inserted into the box. The front of it is also used as a frame and layer. So, the front might be considered a seventh layer.

Here is the basic structure that you will build. There is a bottom a back, a left and a rigth side. After we make this you can add a front and a top. And those side pieces have slots in them so you can slide the sheets in. Six of them.

Cut yourself six pieces of foamboard:

• 5" x 6 3/4" (Bottom)
• 5" x 7 1/4" (Top)
• 5" x 5 1/4" (Side)
• 5" x 5 1/4" (other side)
• 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" (Front)
• 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" (Back)

On the two side pieces draw lines like this. They are 3/4" apart and there are six lines on each panel.

Next cut out those lines so they are slots. Cut "V" shaped channels so there is plenty of room to slide sheets of paper into them. I will show you what I mean.

Let's take a look at the first slot I cut - from the side view. See it? See how it is a nice and generous V shaped slot? Do this for all of them. Six slots on each side piece.

Now glue together the four pieces, bottom,sides and back. And notice how they glue together. You have to do it in a specific way or the remaining pieces, and the inserts will not fit correctly. Lay down the bottom piece then glue the two sides to it. Not on top of it. Glue those two side pieces to the sides of the bottom piece.

Then glue the back on.

Ok Great! Let's continue and make the insert scenes