Dioramas and scenery are great additions to transform lone miniatures into scenes. You can decorate the base of a figure, add terrain, and create a background and setting.
This doesn’t need to be complicated for a beginner. You can add a few textures to the base of a figure, such as grass, rocks, sand, or any other desired details. You can progress onto more intricate scenes, such as full battlefields, later on in your journey.
What is a Diorama?
A diorama is a small scene that uses miniatures, models, scenery, and other background details. It can reflect a place or a moment in time, such as the Nativity Scene.
Some common ideas for a diorama include:
- A room or workshop
- A forest
- A beach
- A fantasy scene
- A vehicle on a road or in the desert
- A battlefield
- A magical garden
For more detailed info on dioramas, check out this beginner guide:
What is Scenery in Miniature Projects?
Scenery is the background or wider environment that takes place around a figure. It could include:
- Grass
- Rocks
- Sand
- Trees
- Walls
- Fences
- Buildings
- Water
- Historical ruins
What Do Beginners Need For Dioramas & Scenery?
The following are useful beginner supplies:
- A small base
- Craft or PVA glue
- Sand or texture paste
- Acrylic paints
- An old brush for adding texture or glue
- Small rocks or cork pieces
- Static grass or flock
- A craft knife or scissors
- A cutting mat
- A storage box for materials
What Materials Can You Use For Scenery?
Some ideas you may want to explore to make interesting scenery include:
- Cardboard
- Foam board
- Cork
- Lolly sticks
- Air dry clay
- Sand
- Gravel
- Twigs
- Artificial moss
- Static grass
- Flock
- Modelling paste
- PVA glue
- Craft glue
- Acrylic paints