Half-Scale Miniature Scene: A Rock Path Leads to a Ledge with a Birdbath

What a peaceful scene. Walk up the stepping stones to gaze into the reflection in the bird bath and enjoy the breeze as it rustles through the nearby tree. This miniature scene allows for an imaginary stroll such as this.

I created this scene on a 10 inch circular particle board. The base is built of paper clay and molded to create the area for the tree support and stone path. Flat stones are used for the steps. A rock slab is used to create the upper ledge. The stones and rock slab were integrated into the paper clay as the form was molded. After the paper clay dried it was coated with gesso and then painted with acrylic paint to attain a natural looking landscape.

The maple tree was created by twisting wire into an armature for the trunk and branches. The wire armature was first painted with a thick coat of craft glue and allowed to dry. Next it was painted with acrylic paints. Several colors of paint were used to achieve a realistic looking tree trunk. The leaves were created from paper that was painted and then maple leaves were punched out with a punch. Using several sizes of leaves allows for a more realistic look.

The bird bath is half inch scale. A verdigris finish was first applied to the bird bath and then it was filled with artificial water.

I considered putting bird in this scene. But should it be on a tree branch or on the bird bath? Perhaps there should be a bird in the tree and a butterfly on the bird bath. I have not yet decided what wild life to add to this scene.

This scene fits nicely under a glass dome and makes a nice scene for on a table for a conversation piece.

The same scene could be created in each season and switched in the dome as the appropriate season approached. Let's see then there would the same kind of bird be in each scene or would it be necessary to change wild life with the seasons?