How to Make a Diorama Case
Dioramas stop-motion an instant in time and give the viewer a view of history or imagination from the diorama artist's viewpoint. Creating a case to suit and protect the diorama assures it remains a treasure. With basic tools and supplies, construct your own durable diorama display case.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure or ruler
- Pencil
- Notepad
- Wood
- Safety goggles
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Nails
- Hammer
- Stain or paint (optional)
Instructions
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Set the main elements of the diorama scene on a table. Measure the area to assist in planning the size of the diorama case. For example, to accommodate 6-inch tall figures with a 4-inch clearance above them for the sky background, make the box 10 inches tall.
For a rectangular diorama case, you could make the case 10 inches by 18 inches by 8 inches deep. Choose the dimensions that fit diorama scene you have planned.
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Measure the wood. Mark it with the pencil to show where to cut it.The diorama case consists of an open box with a top, bottom, two sides and a back. The largest piece of wood will be the back. Put on the safety goggles. Saw the wood at the pencil marks.
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3
Sand the edges of the wood to smooth them. Nail the 4 sides of the box together. Place the resulting frame on a table and put the back board in place. Nail the backboard to the frame.
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Place the resulting wooden frame on a table and put the back board in place. Nail the backboard to the frame.
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Stain or paint the exterior of the diorama case, if desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Hardware stores will cut wood to specified dimensions.
Add a custom-cut acrylic or glass panel to the front of the diorama case to protect the diorama from dust, if desired. An extra-strength adhesive designed for wood will hold it in place.
A wooden box, such a a fruit crate, can be adapted for a diorama. Old drawers also work and are often made of attractive wood.
For a complex diorama, you could create a hinged top to the case to make it easier to set up all the figures inside of it. Install a hinge on one corner and a latch on the other.
You can paint the interior of the case once the exterior dries, so the diorama case will be ready to use.
For children's dioramas a shoebox or other cardboard box will work, or use a pattern to make a homemade cardboard box.
Open doors and windows before using stain or paint.
Keep tools and toxic products out of reach of children.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wooden box image by ril from Fotolia.com
