How I made this amazing blue mountain river diorama...and nearly messed it up completely!

Get access to my new tutorial ebook series! / higheyeworkshop .
Many of the materials and tools I use come with safety instructions. Please always read and follow these rather than simply copy what you see me or other people doing.
Don't use a hot cutting tool on this polyurethane foam. It wouldn't work, and it would be dangerous for your health.
Making this peaceful blue mountain river diorama turned out to be really stressful! I very nearly lost the whole piece to a mistake, but luckily I managed to fix the problem and turn what could have been a disaster into something better than I'd imagined!
In this diorama tutorial I walk you through the steps I took to make this amazing piece of realistic scenery.
I used new water effects (new for me, anyway) as well as my trusty epoxy resin and Mod Podge.
I hand-carved the rocks from Sculptureblock, which, it turns out, is very different from extruded polystyrene (xps). It's possible to carve hyper-realistic rocks quite easily from this foam, but if you're planning a build like this then I would use extruded polystyrene since Sculptureblock and curing epoxy don't play too nicely together as seen in this video.
I hope you enjoy watching me bring this river diorama to life.
In this video I use several products that were gifted to me to use in my videos:
3d Pro Scroll Table by Hot Wire Foam Factory: hotwirefoamfactory.com
Scenic vegetation/plants by Diorama Presepe (www.dioramapresepe.com, / dioramapresepe.com_off... , kzbin.info/door/eSX....
Hydro Primer from PlastiKote: plasti-kote.co.uk
Basing glue from War World Scenics: www.WWScenics.com.
CFS Fibreglass have gifted me resin products in the past, but the resin featured in this video is stuff I bought from them previously: www.cfsnet.co.uk
Follow me on Instagram: / higheyeworkshop

[@hllwhalt8835]

That's the kind of thing i'd like to do in the future, if i have any future

[@breadley5159]

Or skill

[@TheNuovaman]

The way the price of epoxy is going means you'll have a lovely little river in the future, just no home to live in.

[@fireflieer2422]

@@TheNuovaman HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA SAD BUT TRUE

[@myrrhfortheroad]

Go for it!! Best of luck to you! 😃

[@hllwhalt8835]

@@myrrhfortheroad thanks

[@hanoh2904]

Bubbles are alright. It gives movement to the water

[@luvariaa]

yes! however, sometimes it can look unrealistic.

[@luisaarias1909]

Excelente obra de arte Es lo más cerca a la realidad que he visto . Bendiciones

[@yolo9050]

NGL this video is pretty entertaining, it's still a shame that things went wrong, but your "oooh...." reaction got a bit of a chuckle out of me. And sometimes we need videos like these to show us "what not to do and why", well done for not giving up on the project, it still turned out beautiful.

[@TheChillinCloud]

When was it

[@blee12lin]

Same

[@durgadivinewrath8879]

This is amazing, and the river was a happy accident in the end as it turned out beautifully

[@Dangocatzo]

:D

[@stallie441]

Vdn

[@universe969]

I always enjoy the longer videos because after the first few minutes sink in it somehow becomes meditative and induces the feeling that there’s no outside world to worry about; similar to how Bob Ross videos feel.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you. That's exactly why I started making them: to help people in this way. I get exactly the same feeling from watching videos by Luke Towan, Terranscapes, etc..

[@emilyestico2334]

What type of island is this

[@rikkiwazzerman3654]

@@HighEyeWorkshop I learned to oil paint by watching Bob Ross. I get the meditation vibe from your videos.

[@Keltain]

I feel like the bubbles make it much more river like. Like a perfectly stagnate river would be a VERY concerning sight

[@dtwotimes10]

Yeah I agree

[@theelilac113]

agreed

[@jaydee5447]

Agree, stagnant water is full of disease

[@alivia4421]

k je

[@drewdakin6717]

those bubbles would be wildly disproportionate to the actual size of the river.. maybe if you were creating a toxic swamp

[@elizabeths4371]

Our unintended "Mistakes" often become our cherished "Works of Art" which is definitely applicable to this Magnificent river scene- WOWEE!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank Elizabeth ☺️

[@cupcakex]

Hmmm. I’ve never had such a strong physical urge to shrink! So realistic & beautiful. Love your work!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@mahintaj6061]

My model burnt ... I searched on internet and it said bcoz I poured hot mixed epoxy resin on thermacol and it catched fire . Plzz be aware of it . Seriously nobody told me about this on internet . Be careful guys . Just commented here to a awareness so that it does not happen with you all which happened to me . Literally sooo sad 🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@ignaciohermoso6971]

Now I'll try it 😂 🤪

[@freddab.7110]

I‘ve never made a diorama in my life, but I just love watching your videos and listen to your voice.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you. That's very kind.

[@fanpet3912]

Me too

[@mr.cracker3085]

Him: "you really can't mess up here" Me trying do anything remotely similar Well actually.... seriously great work though

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Ha ha! Thank you 😊

[@antoniogutierrez4297]

@@HighEyeWorkshop va F

[@jams_197]

OHH my god I finally found a *PATION MAN* , U are the best Artist I have ever seen ❤️❤️

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@jams_197]

@@HighEyeWorkshop Your welcome ❤️😀

[@Justwayne88]

This is amazing, not actually watched yet but will watch it all, i have just seen the intro and that was enough for me to subscribe and like, watching it all now

[@avreehayes08]

At the end of the video when you were doing shots of the end result, my sister looked at what I was watching and asked why I was watching a documentary about a river. That's how good it is!!!!

[@graciemaca6996]

Awesome!!! ❤

[@adrijansevanrensburg8118]

i love this dude's approach to stuff, and it helps so much that the results are always so beautiful and how calming his voice and the process is

[@Bibidabee]

These are so calming! Thank you for making these and taking time out of your day to do things for other people. It means a lot

[@panhandlepilot9363]

This has got to be one of the BEST water scenes I’ve seen yet. And you called it an accident? I call it perfection!

[@sevenowls7776]

The Ardèche in miniature! All that's missing are fish in those limpid waters... Par excellence! Bravo!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@kellye.5678]

This is so cool yet soothing at the same time

[@HolldollMcG]

Watching the foam made me itch. So glad you were able to save it, you're a genius!

[@mauriciovillamil2552]

beautiful work sr

[@enriquetagsmez6000]

Beautiful

[@777cookies]

Also, I like the music it makes the video that much more calming.

[@riffsandwich9541]

Very awesome. As a fly fisher the idea of making a diorama of some of the prettiest stretches of my favorite streams is very exciting. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@KRIRKKIET]

Master class

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

Absolutely magnificent! Bravo.

[@hollyries6103]

Wow!!!!! You are Amazing!!!!

[@user-mt9ci8ht6l]

this is amazing

[@muhammadzien5817]

ITS SO RELAXING VIDEO THANK YOU

[@Dangocatzo]

This is very calming..

[@seaside1457]

This is so satisfying! Watching these videos helps me get through the day. Thank you!

[@DonPablo91]

Absolutely beautiful and not messed up at all! GJ

[@ianm139]

Awesome work

[@andrewmusictv6746]

Magnificent work of the mountain river diorama! A very well deserved like. You are like the Bob Ross of dioramas! Great work.

[@scrumpymanjack]

What incredible work. Just amazing. I've only just discovered this miniature world, and it's irresistible....as if I needed yet another interest!

[@TheModelingHermit]

I really appreciate the way that you show your mistakes and how you repaired them. It is beneficial to those of us who are going to be building dioramas in the future. Your work of art is fabulous.

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Again a really realistic and mastered diorama, the mistake is completely corrected and it's a beauty!*

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you. I'm so glad you liked it.

[@jennabartholomew]

This looks so real!

[@embyrr922]

Those rocks are incredible. Well done for pulling it out of the fire.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you. Yes, I would have been very sad had it been completely ruined.

[@mejeristen]

Really love your humor. And off cause your work.

[@ausendamartins-criatividadeena]

Thanks, beautiful ❤

[@sacha71]

It’s wonderful!

[@andresu83]

Amazing results!

[@reillypeer9560]

You are so talented

[@DINHVANTAM-QTRI]

Amazing

[@danielhanawalt4998]

It was the right decision to save the piece rather than scrapping it and starting over. The end result was beautiful.

[@gerlandkent6377]

looks, Beautiful.👍

[@samezzieni4750]

Excellent job , very realistic.

[@dannyb0208]

The rocks are just amazing, and I actually really like the water effect and colour that you've created; thanks for sharing, a really interesting watch.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thanks Daniel. I really wanted to go for brighter water this time.

[@jhonwainne8392]

¡Enhorabuena! ¡Gran trabajo!

[@debbieayres-hall3086]

So beautiful

[@judysparks1132]

Wow ! That so real looking . Fantastic work ❤

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Massively Brilliant 👍

[@lucyssilverlining5396]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you

[@gerlandkent6377]

thank, you for you're video and info.👍

[@genovevagarcia5046]

Maravilloso, increíble...gracias

[@brendanscanlan5699]

This is perfect for one of my sculpting projects I'm working on. I'm making a sea monster. The head /neck just finished baking. Going to painting tomorrow then eork on the middle body rising and driving back into the water along with the tail coming up. Never used resin so I'll have a few practice runs before making the final water diorama base to connect the clay pieces. Thanks!

[@tripives1858]

Beautiful!

[@chrishughes3539]

Out realistic country side scene I've ever seen

[@blinkie1114]

I’m obsessed with your art 💗

[@MrGandallo]

Had a few craft based tantrums myself but I guess it's how we learn. Your end result is wholly worth the effort put in and is so realistic.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Cheers Dave. Yes, I totally agree. (About the learning from mistakes bit.)

[@luisatorrijos170]

Espectacular

[@thescrapline4905]

Great results despite the resin blunder! Got to love a resin diorama. Top stuff.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Blunder is the word. Noob error. Thank you!

[@ripples7155]

so satisfying

[@segundaaguada]

Great work! Thanks for sharing.

[@9thebear]

Absolutely astounding!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@annalisastrickland8044]

Wow! Lovely work!

[@reginehospital3225]

Aussi vrai que nature c'est superbement réalisé...bravo l'artiste. 💖✨️de France

[@rogeralm5596]

It is fantastic to watch someone so talented. Love it ❤️

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thanks Roger 🙂

[@wendycook9334]

Absolutely fantastic.....❤

[@eTraxx]

That was a enjoyable bit of time spent

[@schadowolf]

Amazing diorama and some great insights/tips!

[@bradhoff5035]

Amazing work!

[@TV-se4ce]

Beautiful amazing 👏

[@gatesbisson1746]

great job, you inspired me to try those techniques , well done

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thanks 👍😊

[@sleepycodm_]

10:33 “i really should’ve thought about that in advance but I didn’t. So... what are u gonna do?” HAHAHAHA WHY SO DEFENSIVE

[@JRRobeck]

Wow!! Brilliant, clever, impressive. My jaw dropped when I saw how well the two cutouts “animated” the lightning bolt ⚡️. I gotta try that out!

[@tiffanymariezaccagnino2599]

Excellent job! So real looking" I enjoyed watching..

[@cherolynwolf5913]

Turned out nice!

[@lendopasinaung53]

Amazing river...

[@thomaswalla4210]

Always fascinating to see you at work thanks for showing!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thanks Thomas!

[@carlostriebel876]

Absolutely wonderful Diorama. I Love to watch your Video.

[@peterstecks7660]

A journey. Thank you for posting.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@CTDioramas]

Turned out great! Good job 👍

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thanks, Chris!

[@sshim950]

Very nice save, well done! Beautiful river scene. Thanks for sharing.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you 😊

[@lauraGonzalez-tn8qr]

amazing

[@dh7930]

It it's much more educational to see someone make mistakes that anyone could make, and then correcting them, or explaining how to overcome them. Thank you so much for this awesome video!

[@anzillatheef8805]

You've got amazing skills

[@JaysDiecastCreations]

WOW I knew I had alot to learn and learn alot I did watching this project unfold. Fantastic job and thank you for sharing this. I am now a subscriber of yours 😎👊

[@jazzmoos5382]

* Nothing to it * 😄 Very nice. The details.. I love details in art, and you’re not afraid to let us see the troubles along the way. I appreciate seeing and hearing what went wrong, as well as what went right, because it’s a learning experience for all of us. And you fixed everything so we got to see how you accomplished those fixes. Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@kasaaja1]

Beautiful! Only with a knife to carve like this ... unbelievable!

[@NewForestDragonflies]

fantastic video, thanks for sharing

[@CANVASARTS123]

Marvellous 😍

[@duniarestrepo891]

Bellísimo!!! Gracias por compartir

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Gracias!

[@cenogravando]

Thank you soo much for al the information. I am working in a set design for a stop motion in Brasil and your information are very usefull 💚💚💚

[@alicehernout691]

Very good job 👏👏

[@theoschmitt3037]

Toll gemacht. Ich bin begeistert. Alles ist so realistisch.

[@squizzy6143]

fantastic work... thank u so much for sharing your masterpieces

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@KasturiDalvi-ne6vu]

You have so much patience!!

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

Not always 😂

[@tcsyme]

Yes and no. I maintain that you don't need patience to do something you enjoy, and he is clearly having fun with these lovely dioramas.

[@HighEyeWorkshop]

@@tcsyme Yes, it's like charging for your time as an artist. I will always charge based on the time I've spent over the years establishing my skills, but charging for time on a specific project would often make it unaffordable. No-one should work for free, but I also work for fun. That said, whenever anyone accuses me of not being fair by charging for written tutorials, etc., I become even more sure that I'm right for charging.

[@tcsyme]

@@HighEyeWorkshop Charging for your knowledge, skills and experience, vs actual time on the job makes a lot of sense.