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.
THIS is the awesome moment an Osprey catches its prey travelling at 50mph, giving new meaning to FAST FOOD .
GLAMPING is taken to a whole new level in the form of the luxurious Pop-Up Hotel .
From a floating jelly fish to a relaxed seal, Britain’s unappreciated beach life is captured above and below the water .
From the crisp, snow clad mountains to vivid bright blue rivers, these breath-taking photographs capture the incredible beauty of various landscapes across France and Italy .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
This longhorn beetle demon-strates a dark side as it looks just like the devil .
A DETERMINED great blue heron holds on tightly to its prey as the furry gopher attempts to wriggle free .
STAIRWAY obsessed photographers have captured psychedelic shots that will mesmerise you .
Southern England, the south-west and west Wales have been warned to expect more wild weather, with heavy rain and high tides possibly leading to coastal flooding and travel disruption over the weekend .
DIPPING his head into the vase of water, this little squirrel takes a refreshing break from an afternoon of eating .
HUDDLING under a leaf, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls take shelter from the rain .
A toddler has shrugged off death an incredible 10 times thanks to his parents who revive him with the kiss of life every two weeks .