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 hero dog has saved the life of her asthmatic owner after waking her up during a severe asthma attack .
A middle-aged couple from Somerset have developed a rather unusual hobby to occupy their time: writing to killers on death row .
A woman who was addicted to eating curries has shed an impressive 8st after giving up her favourite food .
This cheeky macaque gets up close and personal as he examines the dental hygiene of his fellow primate .
A Romanian woman is celebrating her new job as a knife-thrower’s assistant after leaving her family behind to move to the UK .
COULD this be the most distastrous wedding cake fail EVER? Most brides opt for a traditional tiered white wedding cake decorated with delicate pink roses and lace for their big day .
This starling and prairie dog will not back down an inch as they have a fearsome stand-off over who gets to eat a nut .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
THE TOWERING Irish cliffs of Moher stand tall over the rippling Atlantic Ocean .
Surveying its surroundings, a tiny harvest mouse climbs the stem of a dandelion .
COURAGEOUS climbers descend 400 metres as they manoeuvre their way through thick walls of ice .
An eight-year-old boy who lost his legs and left hand to meningitis is standing tall after learning to walk on his prosthetic limbs .