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 SPECTACULAR array of stars fills the night sky as they soar over this active volcano .
The UK's first hotline - and possibly the galaxy's - for people who have been targeted by aliens has opened to the public .
A young otter wades through a lake with his eyes set on an older rival’s fish .
An elegant snowy owl spreads her wings and glides effortlessly above the snow covered field .
DASHING through the snow, this little stoat is on the lookout for a Christmas feast .
Lauren Kilgariff, 29, was with husband, Shaun, 31, for four years .
FOR someone who hates milk, pensioner Steve Wheeler has got an udder-lot of it - nearly 20,000 bottles in fact .
A couple celebrated tying the knot with a spectacular Alice in Wonderland-themed wedding reception .
FROM ICE bubbles to boiling lava, these photographs highlight the stunning shapes and patterns found in nature .
THE UK’S STRONGEST SCHOOLGIRL attributes her success to the bendy-body condition that once left her body wracked in pain .
Most people have an angel at the top of their Christmas tree, but one bear at Chester Zoo decided he wanted to be the star of the show .