Lesson 1Detail construction: window frames, doors, signage, and curbworkFocus on making side and fine parts like window frames, doors, signs, and edge work, using guides and shapes to keep parts same while planning join spots for later paint and wear.
Building repeatable window and door jigsLaminating frames and adding glazingDesigning and printing scale signageShaping curbs, gutters, and drain inletsPreplanning breakable and removable partsLesson 2Base preparation: cutting baseboard, leveling, building substructure, and locating anchor pointsLook into cutting and bracing the bottom board, flat surfaces, and making a firm under build while marking hold spots for builds, shapes, and stands, ensuring steady, line, and long hold.
Choosing baseboard materials and thicknessSafe cutting methods and edge cleanupBuilding internal ribs and cross bracingChecking level, twist, and sag toleranceMarking anchor points and drilling pilotsLesson 3Figure and prop preparation: painting, shading, mounting, and integrating with sceneLearn how to ready shapes and items via clean, paint, shade, and mount, then mix them true into the view with pins, touch shadows, and place wear links, for seamless fit.
Cleaning mold lines and test fittingChoosing color schemes and focal pointsLayered shading and edge highlightsPinning feet and hidden supportsBlending bases with ground texturesLesson 4Packing, handover notes, and maintenance instructionsGrasp how to pack the done diorama, ready give notes, and write care guides so watchers can move, show, and tend the piece safe over long time, with simple local tips.
Designing custom inserts and supportsLabeling fragile zones and lift pointsWriting display and lighting guidelinesMaintenance and cleaning proceduresHandover checklists and client signoffLesson 5Painting and base finishing order: priming, base coats, shadows, highlights, and weathering passesMaster the right paint order for bottoms, from prime and base layers to shadows, lights, and wear rounds, so faces show clear, stay firm, and back the tale without clouding parts.
Surface prep and primer selectionLaying base coats for ground and wallsEstablishing shadows and light directionAdding highlights and color variationLayered weathering and sealing coatsLesson 6Lighting installation and wiring routing inside shallow casesFind methods for setting light and path wires in thin cases, including LED pick, channel plan, joins, and reach doors that let care without harm to the diorama, safely.
Selecting LEDs, drivers, and voltagesPlanning wire paths and hidden channelsDrilling pass throughs and slots safelyUsing connectors and quick disconnectsDesigning access hatches and coversLesson 7Planning and reference phase: measurements, orthographic sketches, and material listLearn how to turn ideas into makeable plans by taking true measures, making side views, and writing a full stuff list that keeps your diorama job ordered, real, and on time from start.
Measuring display cases and client constraintsCreating scale conversion tables and notesDrafting orthographic views of the scenePlanning modular breakpoints and joinsCompiling a detailed material and tool listLesson 8Blocking major masses: building shells, street beds, sidewalks, and retaining wallsGrasp how to block big parts like build shells, path beds, walk sides, and hold walls, setting setup, sight lines, and flow before doing fine parts or paint, for solid base.
Mocking up volumes with foam or cardSetting street grades and drainage slopesAligning sidewalks and curb heightsPositioning retaining walls and barriersTesting viewpoints and camera anglesLesson 9Photography and documentation for client approvalLearn how to photo and note your diorama for watcher okay, catching scale, light, and key tale angles while writing make notes that back changes and future copies, clearly.
Setting up neutral backdrops and standsBasic lighting setups for miniaturesFraming storytelling and detail shotsManaging color balance and exposureOrganizing build notes and shot listsLesson 10Final assembly, gluing order, transport mounts, and protective measuresStudy the right order for last join, stick, move stands, and guard steps, lessening harm chance while keeping reach for fixes, light checks, and last changes, carefully.
Dry fitting assemblies and submodulesChoosing adhesives for each materialSequencing glue joints to avoid stressAdding transport screws and bracketsTemporary shields and dust protection
