These are the fascinating pictures of miniature table sculptures molded around bonsai trees that take up to a painstaking 18 months to create. Japanese illustrator Takanori Aiba, 58, has built the intriguing scale models of windmills, lighthouses and even the Michelin Man.He delicately uses craft paper, plaster, acrylic resin, paint and plastic to create the host of sprawling miniature communities that wrap around the tiny trees.Following his work as an illustrator for Japanese fashion magazine POPYE he has spent the last nine years producing the detailed mini worlds.The creations take at least three months to construct with his Ice Cream Package Tower taking an astonishing 18 months work. Since 2003, he has made eight models, with 10 more planned over the next few years.
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
An adorable baby girl was born with a heart-shaped birthmark on her forehead - after being conceived on Valentine's Day .
A BLIND school-girl whose growth has been stunted by a rare medical condition is finding her feet again with the help of a specially made mini-cane .
A couple have tied the knot in a spectacular Harry Potter-themed wedding which cost £45,000 .
A woman who was addicted to GREGGS has lost 9st after giving up her favourite food .
Meet the dog-loving woman who spends £20k a year looking after her 30 pet PUGS .
FROM ICE bubbles to boiling lava, these photographs highlight the stunning shapes and patterns found in nature .
Swimming side by side with divers, these manatees will do anything they can to stay warm .
A photographer from the United Arab Emirates travelled to Pakistan where he captured the lives of local people in a series of expressive portraits .
HOTSPOT MEDIA - BRAVE TOT ALLERGIC TO SUN: Leighton Brownrigg, 2 .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
A middle spotted woodpecker swoops into her nest and feeds her young in a forest in Trentino, Italy .