How to Create a Half Scale Miniature Asian Garden Scene

The clay Asian figures and bench in this half scale miniature garden scene were purchased years ago on a trip to San Francisco and tucked away with my "to do" mini projects. I like the little figures very much and wanted to create a special scene for them. The project was created over and over in my thoughts for years. Then one day I had a vision for the exact scene that I wanted to create in miniature for these little figures.

I began with a block of Styrofoam from some packing materials. The block was rectangular and I cut off the bottom three inches. I then cut away small pieces at a time until the garden base was formed. I coated the base with a paper clay smoothing and forming the shape I wanted. After the clay dried I coated it with gesso. Next I placed various natural materials such as small stones onto the base for fit and to create a realistic garden scene. I found several larger stones that made perfect rocks. I found some colored sand that I could add later. I painted the garden base with the desired colors for the ground areas as well as the pond area.

I made a tree from wire, craft glue, acrylic paint and artificial eyelashes. Ha, ha, yes I used artificial eyelashes for pine needles. First I twisted the wires together to form an armature for the trunk, roots and branches of the tree. I coated the wire form with a thick coat of craft glue and set it aside to dry. When the tree was dry I painted it with acrylic paints. I painted artificial eyelashes with acrylic paint to achieve the correct color for the pine needles. I glued the pine needles to the branches of the tree. When the tree was complete I sprayed it with a protective coat of clear acrylic finish.

I made many, many plants to plant around the pond. I used mostly paper punches to create the plants. I made small hostas and other common garden plants as well as a few water lilies and one water lily blossom. I "planted" the plants around the pond with craft glue. I glued the water garden plants in the pond area. I then filled the pond to just slightly cover the water plants allowing the lily leaves to float on top of the water and the blossom to be above the water.

I arranged the roots of the tree so that they fit over the raised area in the back of the garden making spaces where the small rocks could be fit. I glued the tree and roots onto the raised ground area. I used paint to plant the tree making sure that the very bottom of the roots were covered. I glued the small rocks into place and glued loose sand around some of the rocks. I glued other stones and rocks where I had fit them before. I did my best to achieve a natural, garden look. I left a path for the men to walk to the bench.

This miniature garden scene fits perfectly into an Asian style birdcage I found. It adds to the charm of the scene and protects it as well. I do like the scene best when it is removed from the birdcage though so that the garden and figures can be seen and appreciated best.