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.
A 20st mum-of-four who was dangerously obese has lost half her body weight after her son drew her as a BLOB at school .
THIS is the moment one irritated pelican nearly swallows the entire head of his unlucky competitor .
A grand 56-bedroom hotel, once heaving with injured soldiers during the First World War, now lies completely abandoned .
MAKING himself at home, this little snail perches happily on top of this frog's head .
IN a galaxy not so far away lies a magical display of lights that could be the latest image from NASA .
BURSTING colours of reds, pinks and purples give the illusion of a collection of stunning flowers .
IN a galaxy far, far away, this collection of stunning interstellar formations will leave you STARSTRUCK .
A 21st stone woman suffering from 'body blindness' like Dawn French shed more than half her body weight after a shock revelation brought her to her senses .
A SPECTRUM of colours fills the sky during this spectacular and natural display of light .
The aurora lights captured in Blair Nebraska, America - WITH electrifying purple and illuminous green brightening up the night sky, this is the rare moment a flash of 'sprite' lightening was captured on camera .
Meet the real-life Little Bo Peep - a young woman who spends her days tending to her four pet SHEEP .