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.
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
MEET the real life sleeping beauty - who snoozed for TWO months when a rare sleep disorder took over her life and turned it into a nightmare .
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
A BLIND school-girl whose growth has been stunted by a rare medical condition is finding her feet again with the help of a specially made mini-cane .
GLAMPING is taken to a whole new level in the form of the luxurious Pop-Up Hotel .
Walking down the street in her local town, heads turn as Jessica Villafane passes by .
GIANT garden sculptures don't beat about the bush .
A woman has been left scarred for life after a botched eye lift burnt her eyelids .
CONTRACT CANCELLED - DO NOT SYNDICATE!! .
CREATED over 60 years ago, this weighty machine was the Photoshop of its time .
POPE MOBBED BY THOUSANDS OF WORSHIPPERS IN RIO - Thousands of worshippers gather to celebrate the Papal visit on Copacabana beach, Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil .