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 little clownfish opens its mouth to reveal a blood sucking intruder living on its tongue .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
LIKE A scene from A Bugs Life, these ants work on creating their own mini community .
The San Antonio Zoo in Texas has welcomed a bizarre new addition - a two-headed turtle named Thelma and Louise .
FROM motorcycling to department store shopping these spookily faceless people are part of the Chinese-fad for wearing protective solar-visors in public .
A university graduate who was obsessed with achieving a thigh gap has told how she shrunk to just 6st after developing anorexia athletica .
A couple have got engaged after the bride-to-be’s boyfriend set her a Facebook ‘likes’ challenge .
A diving mad couple have finally taken the plunge, having tied the knot 30ft underwater .
A trout manages to escape the jaws of a hungry cormorant - only to find itself back inside the bird's long beak .
FIFTEEEN years after it was closed pictures by a British teacher show the calamity Hong Kong airport that was closed for being too dangerous .
A restaurant famed for creating the 3lb cheeseburger has unveiled its latest culinary challenge – the largest chilli cheese hotdog in Europe .
A good samaritan who came to the aid of a rape victim has told how they were turned away from the Salvation Army because "they only help men" .