DIORAMA DISCUSSION: Diminutive Dioramas

Posted by Maryann on May 12, 2009, 10:02 am

Hey Everyone! Dee has kindly asked me to step in for her and host this month's Diorama Discussion. So, without further ado... Today I'd like to show you how, even if you have limited space, you still can have great displays for your dolls! This is also great for those of you who DO have lots of space, but also lots of dolls and props you'd like to incorporate into your displays. I'm going to share some of my tips and secrets for how I use space myself. According to a recent informal survey I took, space for dioramas is limited. Although everyone seems to have different available space for displays, you CAN add dioramas to your doll collection. Whether small or large, dioramas add interest and another dimension to your already much-loved treasures. Why not show them in an animated state? I'm addressing several different sizes today, so, hopefully there will be something that accommodates you! (Please notice that I am using black boards to represent the "space" being designated to the diorama. I did this so that it's easier to see and imagine in your own space.) In this first photo, the black area measures 27" long by only 12" in depth. This is a common size for book shelves, something that many of you use to display your collection. I am using a bedroom for this diorama. The bed is large, and will take up most of the space, but because of its beauty and appeal, you would like to see most of it on display. The length of the bed is too long for the 12" depth and merely facing the bed the long way might work, but a more interesting placement would be on the diagonal Perfect! And with room to spare! Because this particular bedroom dresser comes with a mirror, seeing it face on creates space and depth. So, I am placing the dresser facing forward while still allowing plenty of room between the bed and dresser. Double-sided tape secures the mirror to the wall. The bedroom chair is placed in the forefront allowing the illusion of ample space for your doll to "walk" around in the room. Here is a full view of the area before the doll or any other accessories. Remember the black area only designates the space available for display. You can see how the entire suite of furniture fits in a 12" x 27" space. Add your favorite doll and a few accessories and you've created the ultimate in-shelf design! LESS space you say? Here is the same number of furniture pieces with the doll and accessories. This space is 20"long by only 8" in depth! Placing the bed straight off the wall leaves a little more space for the dresser and chair. Instead of standing, the doll now reclines in the bed. This add another element of interest! For an even SMALLER space, just two pieces can create a great display for showing off a doll! Here, I'm using a room divider and chair to create a special space. This display takes up less than 8"x9"! When working in miniature, it's important to remember that LESS is MORE when you are creating a scene. Too many pieces and the eye does not know where to focus. Use texture (walls, rugs, furniture), height (room dividers, screens, paintings) and color to create the most interesting effects. Here are some simple backdrops that I made using scrapbook paper. Look how well the panels complement the doll and her outfits without distracting from them. Not only does this display take up very little space, it's easy to remove and change when you feel like it! The more carefully you choose your pieces, the more realistic your dioramas will look. Especially with all the articulation and life-like attitude that today's dolls have! Well, that's about it. Hope you've enjoyed my presentation! Maryann