Wild Diorama Supplies-Safari Ltd.

Looking for a tube of Civil War Soldiers? Or a bag of jungle animals? Safari Ltd., has a wide range of miniatures and replicas for all your wild dioramas. From miniature Bulaga whales to models of the solar system , Safari Ltd.'s Catalog will be sure to meet your needs, even if they include a miniature Roman Colosseum or a lair of dragons.  Their vast miniatures collection comes in a variety of scale sizes made with non-toxic materials. You can also find Safari Ltd. on Amazon.

Safari Ltd. Civil War Soldiers

Safari Ltd. Toob of Soldiers

Safari Ltd. Bulaga Whale

Safari Ltd. Bulk Bag Animals

Safari Ltd. Solar System

Colosseum Replica

Safari Ltd. Dragons Collection

Safari Ltd. Toob of Exotic of Birds

Safari Ltd. Plastic Trees

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Storywoods-Rebecca Dudley

Rebecca Dudley, is an Illinois based artist and children's story book author.  Her book Hank Finds An Egg-blends the worlds of diorama, photography and storytelling.  Her website Storywoods, contains other diorama-photo-stories that will soon be turned into books. 

Still from Hank Has a Dream-by Rebecca Dudley

 

Below is a video describing her process.

Now Available:
Hank Has A Dream

Hank Has a Dream-By Rebecca Dudley

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Falling Together-Gregory Euclide

Gregory Euclide is an artist that uses elements of Dioramas in his work.  From his painted reliefs which often feature found objects, to his intricate installations that range from tipped over paint can worlds to elaborate paintings that erupt in dioramas, his work is fluid, imaginative, and visceral.
Perhaps most recognizably, his work is featured on the 2012 Grammy Award winning album covers of the band Bon Iver.
He also has an etsy shop, where he sells "studio sketches and experiments".

 

Prints of the original art for Bon Iver, Bon Iver - Calgary Single - Towers Single - Beth/Rest Single from Gregory Euclide on Vimeo.
Announcing a limited edition print of the artwork used on Bon Iver's critically acclaimed second album.
http://gregoryeuclide.com/portfolio/print-of-bon-iver-album-art/

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Miniature Christmas Village History and Modern Makers

The tradition of setting up magical Christmas Villages on tabletops and mantels across America, began as a tradition of the Moravian Church, a Protestant denomination, and has continued to evolve over the last 130 years.
Originally set under the Christmas tree, 'Putz' houses, as they were called, were typically made from cardboard and mostly manufactured in Japan and Germany. For a thorough history of Christmas Villages, visit Family Christmas Online and for instructions on how to build your own glittered 'Putz' house visit Cardboard Christmas.

DIY-Putz Houses from Cardboard Christmas

Department 56 Ceramics https://www.department56.com/home.do

Modern Makers of the the ceramic Christmas Villages, which have become staples for the American Christmas Collector, include Department 56, a Minnesota based company whose collections range from their original Snow Village, Dickens Village, Alpine Village, to more contemporary themed villages like Disney's Frozen and Downton Abbey.

Department 56 Dickens Village

Department 56 Alpine Village

Department 56-Downton Abbey Village

Lemax Christmas Village

Another growing Christmas collectibles maker Lemax, offers merry miniaturists a variety of villages, including a Victorian Christmas Village, Santa's Wonderland, Vail Village, Caddington Village, and numerous collectible enhancements and figurines sure to complete your Christmas Village wonderland.

Lemax-Santa's Wonderland

Lemax Vail Village

Lemax Caddington Collection

 And finally, the Bradford Exchange, is also a great source for limited edition collectibles, especially if your taste ranges a bit outside of Christmas. Their wide array of collectible collections include the Nightmare Before Christmas Village, Star Wars Galatic Village and Thomas Kinkade Christmas Village collectibles. 

Bradford Exchange-Nightmare Before Christmas Collection

Bradford Exchange-Star Wars Galactic Village

Thomas Kinkade-Christmas House-Bradford Exchange

So, if you haven't started your miniature village collection, perhaps one of these collections will inspire future Holidays full of magical miniatures and diorama dreams. Happy Holidays!

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Dia de los Muertes Devotional Dioramas

The Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a Mexican holiday when those that have passed away are remembered in colorful, artful, and dynamic ways.
A part of the tradition includes a rich history of folk art including Nichos, or Retablos, which are whimsical devotional dioramas often made out of tin, wood and papier mache. Click photos for links to artists and shops.

click photos for links

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Halloween Pumpkin Dioramas

Here are some great pumpkin diorama ideas for a little Halloween spirit.

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Haunted Dimensions-The Model Papercraft of Ray Keim

Looking to get your spook on and create an awesome paper craft project? Head over to Ray Keim's Haunted Dimensions -"a gateway for art, news related to Disney's haunted mansion attractions, the haunt industry, FREE spooky 3D paper models, gingerbread architecture, photologs of "haunted" places and all things Halloweeny."-haunteddimensions.raykeim.com

Ray Keim, an artist and 3D modeler/designer (and also part of the Halloween Horror Nights Orlando Design Team) has put together a Spooktacular website full of free downloadable papercraft/scale modeling goodies like this  Bates House Paper Model

Haunted Dimensions-Ray Keim 

Or how about the Infamous Amityville Paper House?

Haunted Dimensions-Ray Keim

Or Maybe you prefer a Classic a Haunted Mansion or Manor?

http://www.haunteddimensions.raykeim.com/index380.html

http://www.haunteddimensions.raykeim.com/index412.html

Each download kit available on Haunted Dimensions comes with a list of supplies and instructions to help you build the Horror House of your dreams (or nightmares).

Haunted Dimensions-Ray Keim

 Also be sure to check out the fan gallery of user submitted photos for more Spooky Inspiration.

Haunted Dimensions-Ray Keim

Haunted Dimensions Ray Keim

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Twig Terriums-Tiny Landscapes in Brooklyn

Twig Terrariums in Brooklyn, New York offers unique terrariums, classes and tiny items to complete your own small world.  Their DIY terrium kits and accessories will bring the terrarium of your dreams to life.  They also make great gifts, like the Postcarden-a post card that sprouts into an urban garden.

"Designed as a gift and greeting card in one, Postcarden is easy to grow on any desktop, windowsill, or countertop."

Tropisma Terrarium Kit

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