Design

• 1). Decide upon a theme for the diorama. For example, a grizzly bear habitat could be a diorama theme.
  
  
• 2). Design the scene on paper first, and allow the diorama to evolve from there.
  
  
• 3). Decide upon a base or foundation for the diorama, such as shoe box.
  
  

Construction

• 1). Find a foundation for the diorama such as, a shoe box or other box.
  
  
• 2). Decorate the background inside of the box. In our shoe box example, the sky and the mountains in background could be painted. Some people may find it easier to use different colored construction paper for the background.
  
  
• 3). Gather and arrange thematic miniatures for the diorama, which may be found at most craft stores Trees and river scenes can be included in miniature form. Bonsai trees can be found at most home improvement stores and used in this example, especially a pine tree or a redwood. A less expensive option is drawn and colored objects on paper and cut out. Remember to leave a tab so that the drawings can be to be glued to the base of the box in the next step.
  
  
• 4). Glue plastic figurines or miniature objects onto the base with a strong glue, such as Super Glue. Glue paper objects to the base using a regular white glue.
  
  
• 5). Decorate the ground or floor of the diorama. For a natural bear habitat, use dirt attached to the floor by spray adhesive. Dump off excess dirt. Cover the fake trees or bonsai tree with extra dirt on top. Include small rocks or pebbles or other natural elements to scale.
  
  
• 6). Make a river or stream by layering pebbles in a wide strip across a portion of the diorama ground and cover with layers of blue cellophane or plastic wrap.