In this part of the tutorial we start the building of the diorama.

Part 1 (the beginning) of this tutorial is here including the video

Let's start with the base and rough shapes of the diorama. We first cut a large piece for the overall base of the diorama. The curvy part you see here will be the front of it. The big square piece is simulating the wall. We aren't completing the landscape at this point but we do this part so we can figure out the size and scale of things.

The little pieces are various building substitutes so we can get a feel for the scale and size of everything. For instance, what size are the buildings in comparison to the wall? You should have some fun with this stage of it. The diorama is a blank canvas so to speak. You can cut up buildings in various shapes, try them out, move them around.

Let's Make the Buildings

There are eleven buildings in total.

The bulk of each building is just a bit of foam that is cut and sanded, square, rectangular or circular.

Next we can add some detail work to the buildings. We use a ball point pen to draw out bricks, windows and doors. And a sharp knife is used to cut out the windows.

Next we add some woodwork to the buildings. The top of this building gets some toothpick columns and a wooden roof. You can also do wooden doors if you want.

Here you can see we are adding little crenellations at the top of one of the towers. These are bits of foam. And that brick wall is looking good too.

Okay Let me show you how to paint these buildings up so they look great

Will's Book on Diorama Making

How to Make Fantasy and Medieval Dioramas

This books shows you how to make fantasy and medieval dioramas using many commonly available tools and materials. There are over 100 pictures and illustrations showing you how to make great dioramas in fantasy and medieval styles. Chapters include basics, water effects, terrain tips and special effects like electricity and small motors. Tutorials include how to use foam, plaster of paris and paper mache to make great looking dioramas.