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.
AN expectant mum suffered crippling contractions lasting a gruelling two months, due to complications from a rare condition .
AN EXERCISING turtle and an ice-skating chick are hardly everyday exploits in the animal community .
Bathers on a New Zealand beach stripped naked and took to the Pacific Ocean in an attempt to shatter the record for the world's largest skinny dip .
The aurora lights captured in Blair Nebraska, America - WITH electrifying purple and illuminous green brightening up the night sky, this is the rare moment a flash of 'sprite' lightening was captured on camera .
A diver attempts to control rising numbers of lionfish by feeding the venomous species to Caribbean reef sharks .
A toddler has shrugged off death an incredible 10 times thanks to his parents who revive him with the kiss of life every two weeks .
A Cheryl Fernandez-Versini lookalike has slammed skinny-shamers, after seeing her celebrity doppelganger abused for her tiny frame .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
IN THE not so MISTY MOUNTAINS of Wiltshire, there lies an abandoned hobbit house .
PAWS for thought as you feast your eyes on this rare bear bathing session .
GIANT garden sculptures don't beat about the bush .
A schoolboy is the envy of his friends due to a one in 14-million condition which means he can only eat FRY-UPS to survive .