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.
FLAUNTING its new accessory, a fashionable green dumpy tree frog poses for the camera while wearing a SNAIL as a hat .
A reformed boozer, who spent nine months partying in Magaluf, has shed over 6 stone after ditching her ladette lifestyle to become a fitness fanatic .
Sprawled out on top of a log, this sleeping leopard takes a relaxing break from his daily routine .
TUGGING on the wing of his sibling, this needy owl is after some attention .
Exploding out of the water, a great white shark performs a backflip during a hunt for seals .
Staring death in the face, a little field mouse bravely confronts a hungry cat .
THEIR gnarling teeth at the ready, these two baboons fight it out for the last piece of fruit .
With blue waves tumbling over them, these surfers glide underneath a tunnel of water .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
A SERENE turquoise glow glimmers from underneath these powerful icebergs .
A woman branded the Jolly Green Giant by SOLE-crushing school bullies for her whopping size nine feet has had the last laugh by opening a shoe shop for big footed girls .
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .