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 BEAUTIFUL sight for the eyes and the imagination, these liquid sculptures take shape in many different colours and formations .
EAGERLY BITING his nails, this little squirrel is clearly nervous of looming predators as he searches for his meal .
A father-of-one stunned his wife of twenty-five years after revealing his secret love of POLE DANCING .
ARM extended and head flung back, this little chipmunk performs a loose-limbed yoga move .
SNEAKING slowly into the water, this Bengal tiger plans a vicious attack on three unsuspecting deer .
A mother-of-one has told how she nearly died after contracting toxic shock syndrome from a tampon .
MOUTH OPEN wide, this little stoat appears to be in mid-song as he belts out a tune for his onlookers .
The San Antonio Zoo in Texas has welcomed a bizarre new addition - a two-headed turtle named Thelma and Louise .
From the crisp, snow clad mountains to vivid bright blue rivers, these breath-taking photographs capture the incredible beauty of various landscapes across France and Italy .
With one hand rested on his belly and the other propping his head up, this lazy lizard takes an afternoon break .
A group of otters put on a show of aqua aerobics, as they raise their flippers perfectly in sync .