A diorama is an amazing little world that you construct, with miniatures or models against a painted backdrop to create a scene. When done well a diorama can tell a story or even transport an observer to another time. This article will teach you how to make a diorama, and take you step by step through everything you need to know to get started on this terrific hobby.
Step 1 – Choose your diorama subject. You definitely want to pick out a subject that interests you. Why bother learning how to make a diorama if you’re not interested in the subject? Your diorama can be about almost anything. Would you like to create a scene with World War II soldiers, cowboys and Indians, Spartans, dinosaurs? The sky is the limit.
Step 2 – Pick a scale. This is perhaps the most important part of the project. It’s definitely where most people make mistakes when they’re learning how to make a diorama. You have to pick a scale before you start and stick with it no matter what. Cheating on sizes even a little will make your diorama look unrealistic and poorly constructed. Scale is key.
Sometimes it’s easier to choose a scale based on your primary diorama component. For instance, if you’re going to build a war diorama with hundreds of soldier miniatures, you’ll want to figure out the scale of these miniatures and build the rest of the diorama to the same scale.
Step 3 – Choose a container. Generally for getting started this is a shoe box or cardboard box, however if you really want your diorama to look nice you can construct a wooden box. Some dioramas will even have a glass front which gives your project a very nice look. If you’re just starting out learning how to make a diorama, keep it simple, a shoebox is a fine inexpensive option for your first attempt.
Step 4 – Choose a background or backdrop. This is what will be seen behind the miniatures and the models on the inside of the box material. Generally this is done with paint, although you could use a wallpaper or printed photograph. A lot of people don’t think about this when they’re learning how to make a diorama, but it is equally important that the background be done to scale as anything else. You need to take into account how far away the objects and landscape markers are from your miniatures in the world you’re constructing, and make sure their size makes sense in terms of proportion and perspective.
Step 5 – Construct. The final fun step in learning how to make a diorama is putting it all together! Start with painting or pasting the background of the diorama, then large models, and finally glue in the miniatures. If you bought unpainted miniatures or models this painting should be done before you glue them into your diorama. (Miniature painting is a separate subject, but essentially you need a primer, paints, very small brushes, and a lot of time/patience.) Allow your diorama time several hours to dry and set before attempting to move it.
That’s it! You now know how to make a diorama like a pro. Remember don’t get discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfectly, just keep your scale in mind the whole time, be patient, and have fun.
