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.
GIANT garden sculptures don't beat about the bush .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
THE TOWERING Irish cliffs of Moher stand tall over the rippling Atlantic Ocean .
Britons have finally received some good news about the weather with temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees this weekend .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
This daredevil wildebeest tried a walk on the wild side - straight into the snatches of a huge 18 foot crocodile .
At 19st and eight months pregnant, Ashley Whitfield, went into hospital to have her baby son, Isaac, delivered by emergency C-section .
THIS alien-like bug would look more at home in outer-space but it can actually be found wriggling around here on Earth .
RAISING his flipper, this two day old seal pup gives a wave to the camera .
SPLASHING around in a paddling pool, this little elephant soaks up the sunshine .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .