Build an ULTRA-REALISTIC Starbucks Coffee Shop DIORAMA - Miniature Model Scenery

How to build a realistic architectural scale model from scratch.
PATREON: / smolworldworkshop
Please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE if you enjoy my content and want to support my channel!
Check out Preston's Channel: youtube.com/@prestongoes?si=E...
Diorama Presepe:www.dioramapresepe.com/en/
In this tutorial, I show you how to build an architectural scale model from basswood and balsa wood strips, and foam core. I cover several DIY techniques for creating the Ultimate, Realistic Diorama. You can apply these techniques to anything that you're working on, such as dioramas, scale models, model railway scenery, model railroad layouts, wargaming terrain, warhammer 40k, d&d scenery, tabeltop gaming, action figure displays, dollhouse accessories, and whatever else comes to mind.
I show you how to make a model house from scratch that looks hyper realistic, just using some miniature, strip basswood and balsa wood you can buy from the hobby and crafts store! I take you though every step of building a realistic building. I show you how to cut out walls, make window frames from scratch, add glass to your windows, paint your walls with spray paint, add wood siding to the exterior walls, scribe panel lines, add plastic trim, make your own awning, make a realistic drive thru, add 3D printed miniature details, make corrugated metal details, add dirt and greenery to your models using static grass.
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:35 Scratch Building Styrene Window Frames
3:04 How to Make Miniature Walls from Foam PVC Board
7:09 How to Make Buildings From Foam Core
9:52 How to Paint Architectural Models
11:14 Installing Mini Window Frames
11:55 How to Model Tinted Glass Windows
13:12 Miniature Basswood Siding
13:31 Staining Wood with Acrylic Paint
14:24 Gluing Wood Planks
15:31 How to Make Miniature Corrugated Metal
16:44 How to Spray Paint Styrofoam
17:58 How to Dremel and Carve PVC Board
19:12 How to Make Miniature Sidewalks
20:31 How to Paint Miniature Sidewalks
21:11 How to Weather Miniature Concrete Using Acrylic Paint
23:05 How to Make a Miniature Drive Thru Diorama
25:12 How to Make a Miniature Awning from Scratch
25:31 Adding Mini Posts
26:01 Detailing Awning with Styrene
27:34 Masking Scale Models for Painting
28:43 Painting Awning
29:11 How to Make Miniature Signs for Dioramas
33:23 How to Add Details and Realism to Your Model Layouts
36:08 How to Make Dirt for Scale Model Scenery
37:46 Add Bushes and Greenery to Your Diorama
39:42 Final Result!
40:32 Please Support me on Patreon!
Music:
"Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio"
Song List:
1. Fractals
2. Empty City
3. Galaxy
4. Home
5. 50 Million Year Trip
6. Recovery
7. Floating
8. Existence
9. Saturna
10. Lucid Dream
11. Distance

[@SportyPompano]

who else is here from Prestons channel? I have always loved creative things, and especially miniatures, and when i saw this, i knew i had to subscribe haha

[@smolworldworkshop]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching and subscribing, I appreciate it!

[@SportyPompano]

@@smolworldworkshop you are amazing!!!

[@samppugaming4426]

Yup I am

[@wymanfamily5988]

Meee

[@ttteproductions7609]

Me small world hm.....

[@vivianphillips768]

Okay ummmmm why is it EXACTLY like you shrunk a Starbucks???? It’s not giving scale model it’s giving honey I shrunk a Starbucks????? YOU ARE TOO GOOD HOLY MOLY

[@smolworldworkshop]

Yooo thank you so much fam!!! I wish I had superpowers to shrink buildings, that would make my job much easier hahaha! Thanks again for watching and I appreciate all your support so much :)

[@gen2mediainc.577]

THIS LOL

[@LawAndBedlum]

Right, somehow it feels…real

[@braysfly]

whyre you thinking with text🤣

[@1tinyshrunkenperson]

@@smolworldworkshopmight as well shrink people too.

[@BManStan1991]

How you managed to achieve such realism is astonishing and a testament to your skill and attention to detail!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for all of your kind words!! Also thanks for watching!

[@MudDirtGreeseNCountry]

I’m here from Preston’s channel

[@Big-Sexy]

When you showed 40:32 I really thought you were going to say that was the reference image for comparison. Unbelievably realistic. This has inspired me to get into diorama building.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much! I’m glad to hear you’re inspired to start building!! Good luck with your projects!

[@MattPochwat]

Your dioramas are unreal! Can't wait to see what you do next.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you for all the support!! I’m so glad you liked the dioramas!

[@yousorooo]

Came here from the other video. This is seriously impressive. I’m surprised that the dirt is actually real dirt!

[@jcsrst]

Amazing!

[@redefv]

Back in the day my dad and I needed you when we built our N gauge railway. 😂 LEGIT

[@austinsonmore7970]

Very unrealistic, does not even have a passive aggressive barista that hates you. The building looks great though.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Very true hahaha also thanks homie!!!

[@Qmannder55]

Nice

[@HappyGirl92593]

Because some customers can be jerks to the employees and are too picky with their order Lol

[@brockmitchell3989]

Your realism is amazing in your dioramas. I am glad I found this channel.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you found my channel too! Thanks again for watching!

[@berkc06]

What a clean build. Just wow.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!

[@bucknertarsney7674]

Epic.

[@partypinching]

This turned out so great! Absolutely love it!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!

[@dj_kaizen_games]

amazing!

[@sarahlongshore2605]

This is so realistic!!! Looks so amazing!!!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!

[@LIFE_in_118_SCALE]

This is fantastic!!! Great work!❤

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!

[@TheFarahk]

This is beyond incredible. ❤

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!!

[@MoooMooMoo]

WOW!!!

[@mathewberry3825]

Well this is incredible!!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@goldtheostrich]

Cute!!

[@Dizle81]

looks amazing

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thanks!!

[@dandoc5022]

Outstanding

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@Dripvoidz11.]

this is awesome i love building stuff so me and my friend make dioramas all the time

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you! And that’s awesome, good luck with your dioramas!!

[@Dripvoidz11.]

@@smolworldworkshop thank you

[@bobbyfingers]

So impressive!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@user-wu8wn7dm4o]

Amazing work! super realistic!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!

[@billbaggins9961]

Quite amazing and very well done

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you very much!

[@motorTranz]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching your great craftsmanship! Thank you for sharing this!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you for your kind words and thanks for watching!!

[@andreakerry3411]

Amazing

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thanks!!

[@Sms68]

Mad Skills. Incredible Work

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@shabanatajrout487]

You are supremely talented ❤

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you :)

[@PassionFruit69420_]

The dedication is insane

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@prestongoes]

you're a wizard!!!! this turned out soooo good

[@smolworldworkshop]

Yooo thanks man, glad you like it!!!

[@cerisekappes580]

Absolutely amazing!!!! Such a stunning build!!! ❤😊❤

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much :)

[@cerisekappes580]

@@smolworldworkshop you are welcome 🤗

[@PalmValleyDiecast]

I love your channel!!! You projects are amazing!!! I hope you do more modern buildings like this !!! Great job 👏👏👏👏

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!! I’m glad you like these more modern style of buildings!

[@andreamacor4135]

Very good work!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!

[@goforitpainting]

WOW ☕

[@jamielandis4606]

Your patience is mind boggling! Extraordinary!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!!

[@yannnicolin6047]

Very impressive...

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@2CraftySeniors]

Gosh that was a lot of work! The build looks really, really real... and good. I spent many a day in one Starbucks or another (even though I don't like their coffee) when hubby and I lived in our motorhome for a few years. They were usually friendly places, and full of people enjoying the place... and always had decent wifi and tea. :D

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!! I’m glad you liked the video and diorama! Thanks for watching :)

[@BMoney8600]

This is super cool!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@BMoney8600]

@@smolworldworkshop you’re welcome!

[@EvgenyZyablikov]

Tips and tricks. My respects!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@batbratsdesigns]

You are amazing. ❤

[@smolworldworkshop]

Wow, thank you!

[@theprojectzissou]

amazing

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@WesleyG8857]

Man, I love this stuff SO much! Please keep them coming!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!! Already designing another project!!

[@WesleyG8857]

@@smolworldworkshop awesome! I've got so many questions! Haha I've wanted to get in to this type of modeling for so long now!

[@imm311]

This is amazing work! God bless! Praying for you.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!

[@johnalexanderkollert2359]

Outstandingly realistic!!! This belongs in a museum. You never dissapoint.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@jessetumpak5867]

This is so awesome. I'd love to see you do a traditional Asian temple or home.

[@Truth-gus]

Wow

[@spaguettoltd.7933]

Building a hyperrealistic model of a Starbucks transforms a quintessential “low art” form into “high art.” You should enter this into a juried show. I think it would, at very least, be shown. You might even be able to sell it for good money

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for your kind words!!! I really appreciate that, it means a lot! I actually have sold this one, but I’m looking forward to making more of these kinds of models in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@noellec27]

At the very beginning of the video, before the camera zooms out, the building looks REAL!!! Holy crap! That is some next level diorama making skills!!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!! I’m glad that it looks realistic. Thanks again for watching!!!

[@lindaangus2307]

Damn Dude! You're good!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!

[@brianamoe1931]

Hi i love ❤️ it

[@anegativeatheist-9327]

I make gaming terrain primarily in 1:43 scale. Though this project is slightly larger, the techniques are easily applicable. Fantastic job. I will be returning for more inspiration!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! Good luck with all your projects :)

[@jonathanhall7903]

Your projects are top shelf. It would be epic to see your work displayed in a gallery of sorts. Would you consider creating an Observatory in a future vid? Peach Mountain Obs. in Dexter, Mi., as an example. Or anything you choose.

[@cillamoke]

That is crazy cool!❤ subscribed!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you for helping me and supporting the channel!

[@teodorlutu283]

This is more realistic than the real one❤️

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much ❤️

[@Hurdstah]

Your videos are really unique! Both because the result looks outstanding even among the many talented folks on KZbin, and because you start with 'yo whats up everyone' while all the other builders sound like a character from a ghibli movie.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!! I’m glad my videos stand out :)

[@adriannabcustomfurniture]

Everyone saying they found you because of Prestons channel. I didn't even know that's who this was for the first time I watched it. I just found HIS channel because I re-watched the video haha.

[@latamorewilliams6443]

Wow incredible! I’m going to attempt this in a 1:14 scale! I believe I can do it. You really are helpful! 😊 thank you!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you! And that’s great to hear!!! Good luck with your project!

[@jose6328]

WOW muy buen trabajo felicidades muy realista y detallado😊

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! And thanks for watching!

[@HunterTube13387six]

This is co cool! Maybe you could do a series where you make universal studios Orlando flordia in 1999?

[@aceofthefleet]

You certainly earned my like, comment, and subscription 👏

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for subscribing and supporting the channel!!

[@nicholashilton2514]

Once I realized the image in the beginning WAS the diorama, I instantly subscribed- too cool! I love nerdy stuff like this.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much, I’m so glad you liked the diorama!! Also thanks for subscribing and for supporting the channel!

[@JRJohnson1701]

The old Binaltech Transformers are also 1:24...those would be awesome to see in robot mode in this model!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you, that sounds really cool!!

[@MichalKaczorowski]

Awesome! Subscribed :)

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you for subscribing and supporting the channel!!

[@WillinrowArts]

I came here from Preston’s channel. What an amazing build. I make miniatures myself but mostly fantasy themed. Can wait to watch more of your videos.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for stopping by!! That’s so cool, fantasy is an awesome genre for miniatures!

[@AryanKumar-jo1pz]

You are too good at this sir Make an Indian Temple, would love to watch that. And you will probably get a lot of views too lol

[@dsolosan]

Great work. When I first saw the model staged with the cars, I thought you were showing the actual location as a comparison.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! The cars were a last minute decision, but I though they helped the realism. Thanks again for watching!

[@tomasmatejcek2526]

Sadly, this thing was destroyed in few seconds. But it was super good!

[@EKGaming248]

hey, I was wondering if u could make a supermarket? love your vids!

[@NoodleFlame]

I genuinely thought that was a real starbarks at the beginning, mind is blown.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!! Glad it looks realistic!

[@L0000NEY]

Luke Towan, eat your heart out. Best Diorama video I've seen in ages.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!!

[@LordBlackBerry-sh5kp]

WOW! :D

[@altarmenn]

first time i saw the miniature, i thought you buildt real starbucks store 😅

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! I’m glad it looks real!

[@therobloxgamer3737IsAsian]

When I first looked at the thumb nail I thought it was real!😂

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!!

[@gen2mediainc.577]

your dioramas are literally the best i have ever seen :O we are seeing the birth of the next Luke Towan lol

[@smolworldworkshop]

Wow thank you so much!!! It’s an honor to be compared to Luke Towan, I’ve been watching his videos for a decade now!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

In 1/24th! Wow! I am looking to make buildings in 1/24th - 1/25th as well. I am doing my buildings "Old School" though since I don't have a 3D modeling program. - I should make templates and then pin them down to a cork board and cover the plans with wax paper like you do for making model airplane wings and fuselages. I might also be making my buildings out of foam core and styrene strips...Just have to think about that one.

[@smolworldworkshop]

That’s awesome!! I also hand draw my plans and elevation drawing sometimes too if I don’t want to take the time to 3D model them. Good luck with your projects!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@smolworldworkshopI'm part of Gen X. I took high school drafting courses for 5 years, from grade 8-12 and we used paper and rulers on a drafting table. - When I graduated, Autocad was just coming in. Early Autocad was such a pain in the bum to use that I didn't really get an understanding of it. That was back in the early 1990's and I wonder if they simplified it, but that was 30+ years ago and I've never gone to get schooling or training in drafting since.

[@ojdesignmotion1589]

The realism bro! Damn. I mean, I can only create this in my 3D software! Keep it up buddy!

[@punksintheback7062]

Stop lying... you can't even build a Lego's castle

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much! And hey 3D modeling is an amazing skill! You could definitely 3D print your models if that’s something that interests you! Also thanks for watching!!

[@ojdesignmotion1589]

@@smolworldworkshop Exactly what am planning to do. Hoping to purchase a printer by the end of this month. Thanks a lot bro!

[@don7corleone]

Your videos are great, amazing artwork, skill, and knowledge. My question is when designing a structure in any scale, house, or commercial building how does one know what an appropriate size would be for the width and height of the building, house, windows and doors etc. Where do you find that type of architectural information. In your videos your plans are drawn to scale where do you get correct size measurements of things.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much! First you need to pick a scale to design in. I use 1/2” scale in American architecture scale which is the same as 1/24 scale. For this building, I used google maps to take screenshot each side of the building. I cropped it and used my phone to make the images less distorted. Google maps also has a measure feature on the computer. It’s not perfect, but it can get you close. Then I take the images into a program like illustrator, or auto cad and scale them to the right size based off the measurements. Another way to scale them is by using standard dimensions of doors to figure out the size of the whole wall. For example, most doors in the US are 3’ wide. So in 1/24 scale 3’ is 1.5”. In this case, you can size up the picture until the doors are 1.5” wide. I hope this helps, and thanks for watching!

[@2gamefreeks]

I came frome prestongoes i subscribed

[@Casey_Schmidt]

I love the longer videos. I think they’re much more helpful and entertaining. How many hours go into one of these projects?

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you! That’s really good feedback for me, I enjoy doing the longer videos too! I’d say roughy 60-80 hours of building depending on the project, and then additional time is needed for the filming process and editing

[@accuratebrickinnovations]

That looks fantastic! I built a Starbucks out of LEGO earlier in the year. It was a location out in Tacoma. I feel like you would be good at making LEGO models.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! And that’s so cool! It’s been awhile since I’ve made lego structures but maybe I’ll try it again soon!

[@Kayambo974]

Gorgeous! I’m looking for miniature characters, do you have any idea where I could find one?😊

[@loreleidreaming4403]

I really thought the thumbnail was a picture of a real Starbucks, that's insane !!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!!!

[@marinamarioni6384]

Another possible tip: when you're gluing up windows/doors put your scale drawing on a sheet of pink foam, then you can use pins to hold all parts in place while you glue

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thanks for sharing that!! That’s a great tip!

[@VictoriaRodgersK]

Oh my gosh my shaky hands could never 😭 this is incredible! Great job!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! And I get shaky hands too, sometimes if I’m doing delicate paint work or something, I have to look for patterns in my shake to paint at the right moment hahaha

[@ChrisHutchinson11]

Amazing! What software do you use to 3D model? How do you get the correct dimensions to model? Thanks :)

[@thamararodriguez9986]

I thought this was an actual Starbucks location from the thumbnail 🤣 you got me good but keep up the good work! I’ll try and do this for my hotwheels(even tho I’m not good at diy)

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much!! I plan on making more projects. And you should build something like this for your hot wheels, that sounds awesome!

[@miguelpuig1633]

This is so fucking cool. Super inspiring.

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much, glad to hear that!!

[@rakantopinibl5736]

😮

[@musicstage3457]

i came from prestons vid this is so cool

[@smolworldworkshop]

That’s great thanks for stopping by!!

[@MrKydaman]

All those little details were a lot of work, but it really made it look great!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you!! It’s always nice seeing all the details come together

[@roysnider3456]

I find myself wondering if blue painters tape or Frog tape would give you the same results at a better price, just say’n.

[@freddiemoses467]

Been binge watching these and the amount I have learnt is fantastic - thank you. Would you be able to confirm what software you used for the modelling?

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much, I’m glad these videos are helpful!! I use the free version of fusion 360 for my 3D modeling!

[@Lebruj1]

Here from Prestons channel. Awesome build!

[@smolworldworkshop]

That’s great, thank you so much!

[@samspade4634]

Hello Carson. I am very impressed with not only your craft, but also how it comes alive by you adding to the details. I showed my wife the beginning of this video and she thought it was a real store. She was shocked when the camera pulled out and she realized it was a replica of the real deal. I have always wanted to ask you where the best place to purchase the basic materials {like the styrine sheets}. I'm very new, but I think I'd like to try something simple like my house. Will you point me in the right direction.? Great channel, I will subscribe today!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing and supporting the channel! I get my black foam core and plain styrene sheets from hobby lobby. If I need lots of strips in different sizes and shapes, I go to hobbytown usa. I buy all of my tamiya spray paint there as well. Tools like X-Acto blades and utility knives can be bought either stores, but I’d recommend buying replacement X-Acto blades on Amazon as they’re much cheaper. Thanks again for watching, and I hope this helps!

[@mikayla_collie]

very cool! kinda a shame it exploded though! I think it was worth it, lol! nice work!

[@lesthiele4921]

Greetings my friend, that was absolutely outstanding, you are really a true artist in modelling world, at least this Starbucks has not closed down, one question if I may, the two cars, what is the make of the blue four door? It looks like and Australian GM Holden, again exceptional work, best regards from a Kiwi living in Australia 👌👍👌👍👌👍

[@smolworldworkshop]

Thank you so much for your support and kind words!!! The blue car is a 4 door Nissan r32 Skyline! The kit is in 1/24 scale made by Aoshima. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@BCTCanadian]

What do you think of the Rust-Oleum paint vs Tamiya? I would be interested in your opinion of the cap and nozzle differences. My take is that the rustoleum nozzle is terrible but wondered what you thought. Great work!!

[@smolworldworkshop]

Tamiya is 100% better in my opinion. I also prefer it simply because I simply like lacquers better than enamels. I only used rust oleum in this case because it covers well, and I had to paint large flat surfaces. It does okay for what I used it for, but I’d never use rust oleum spray cans for detailed pieces. I think the rust oleum paint is pretty decent, it’s just the nozzle that is it’s downfall. In my Greece diorama video, I actually was able to decant rust oleum paints, and ironically thin it with tamiya lacquer thinner. It sprayed great out of my airbrush. Hope this helps!