Making a HUGE FANTASY DIORAMA!

I'm making a glowing crystal diorama!
Patreon: / nerdforge
How to make trees: • Making A Miniature Fan...
MATERIALS:
Smoke machine:
- KamuiCosplay's tutorial: • SO THICK! Smoke Machin...
- Vape
- Air pump: bit.ly/3v-pump
- Plastic/silicone tube
- Liquid container
- T/L connectors (for the tubes)
Other electronics:
- Individually addressable side-emitting LED strip: bit.ly/side-emitting-LED
- Power plug female socket: * bit.ly/dc-female-plug
- 12V power supply
- Flat wires: * bit.ly/flat-wires
- Arduino Nano: * bit.ly/ard-nano
- Arduino breakout: * bit.ly/nano-breakout
- Voltage stepdown: * bit.ly/v-stepdown
- Momentary push button: * bit.ly/tinyswitch
- 10W LED (for crystal)
- N-channel mosfet
- Perfboard
Base structure:
- 10mm plywood
- Styrofoam (floor insulation)
- Exterior foam coat (Hot Wire Foam Factory)
- Plaster
- Various rocks / debris
- Acrylic paints
- Acrylic glass
Trees:
- Wire
- Moss
- Clay
- Aluminum foil
- Acrylic paint
- Light + medium green grass flock
TOOLS:
- Coping saw (electric and handheld)
- Pliers
- Hot glue gun
- Styroslicer / hot wire cutter (DIY edition: • How To Make The "Styro... )
- Soldering iron: bit.ly/solder-station
- Heat shrink: bit.ly/heat-shrink
- Paintbrushes and sponges
- Scissors & x-acto knife
FOLLOW:
Instagram - / thenerdforge
Discord - discord.io/nerdforge
Facebook - / nerdforge
Twitter - / thenerdforge
Website - www.thenerdforge.com/
BUSINESS CONTACT: [e-mail]

[@Nerdforge]

Wow, this one turned out way larger and a bit more complicated than I initially intended! Hope you enjoy the result! 😁

[@zaccsi562]

hmmmmmmmmm, fans are faster at commenting then the uploader.

[@gaelenlow160]

Wow. This is boring to you and making a book isn’t?

[@nbreptiles]

Omg I am glad it did! This is amazing! I am subscribing and will continue to follow your work!

[@pjpillow508]

Is it just me or should she make a Fantasy series it would be awesome

[@jerricho11]

Your video and project are amazing. If I could make one TINEY suggestion tho. When taking the Glammer shots of the final project, I suggest having a dark bedsheet or a black cloth hanging behind as a backdrop, so people can't see your workspace. It breaks the illusion you are trying to make when you see a counter behind your elaborate display. Even with that, It's absolutely amazing! Kudos!

[@kinosoftair]

Martina: "let's find some resources from the great outdoors" Her neighbours: "Bjørn! the crazy lady with purple hair is stealing our gravel again!"

[@Nerdforge]

this is accurate

[@anthonystike6034]

LOL

[@spicybeantofu]

What if her neighbours watch this? "So thats what they are doing out there." Lol

[@origamikira]

@@spicybeantofu idk but if i was her neighbor i would let her take anything to keep doing these projects :D

[@TheLassenman]

lol

[@mbeaglewolf418]

6:27 Martina: I have never build a smoke machine before. Me (an intellectual): Every machine is a smoke machine if you operate it wrong enough.

[@tasnuhatahreen2221]

Lol you should have more likes 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jvde96art67]

😂😂😂😂

[@renarddesneiges9191]

Haha yeah!)

[@andresr895]

Chaotic.

[@BlueMiaou]

oh boy

[@raven5279]

Martina: Makes something relatively flat for a project Her cats: To sit? For to Sit?

[@TheSerotoninMuncher]

They're cats, so it's more "It appears that an object with a relatively smooth surface has appeared. It looks rather comfortable, henceforth I assume that I am permitted to perch atop said object."

[@pebblesthecat3625]

I think your absolutely gorgeous and beautiful cat, Astrid, did an awesome job of supervising the entire project. She inspected, analised, nudged, and flattened the diorama, ensuring the project came to fruition. I think Astrid definitely deserves some fresh salmon for all her hard work and assistance.

[@charlie-mv7uj]

"I can't see anything, so I think I'm just gonna go back inside...where I belong" - best quote of 2019

[@ziyanda_theartist]

Yup!!!

[@katsumiskytower8714]

i know her pain, living on an alien planet is hard sometimes, the sun burns us and blinds us. =x_x=

[@AkitakitaNeruFan]

This aged well into 2020 and still stands as best quote

[@BlackEpyon]

I'd have suggested sunglasses.

[@belyndamaniez9703]

Can relate 100% Hello quarantine

[@sofiaparreira2990]

I love the way she just lets her cat sleep on her project as if it's the comfiest bed ever

[@tired-snail]

let's be real, cats will sleep wherever they want, might as well embrace it :D

[@squeakyKris]

My friends cat once slept on my shoulders while I was sitting

[@spicybeantofu]

I can't draw without mine sitting on the book. No matter where it is if it's open he must sit.

[@solitude_guard8756]

@@squeakyKris so you're the chosen one

[@nairbvel]

Actually, it's more like the cat allowing its human to continue with the project involving its chosen nap spot...

[@NEVERescapingLOVE]

The legendary cat guardians feast on the foliage, but their main diet consists of foolish adventurers who dare to seek the crystal of power. Even the gods quake in fear before these fearsome beasts who draw their power from Great Ones long forgotten. Only the foolish dare to tread upon their scared hunting grounds. Only the one who wields the Legendary Staff that glows with LED power can defeat them and bring the ancient power of the magic crystal back to life within the worlds we dwell. Thus returning magic to lands where it was long thought dead and myth.

[@maryellenlynch8582]

Dat was epic bro

[@laurelelasselin]

LEGENDARY CATS

[@richardaudet4158]

The two of you belong on a high budget set! And Martina definitely belongs in front of the camera!

[@sirsundays]

No Paint: Hey this looks good. Just the paint is missing. Painted: This is beautiful. Leave it as is. Grass powder: This awesome. Don't change it! Puts on more for more 3D: Okay maybe it can get better. Keep up the great work!

[@Cendiej]

Exactly my thought as well

[@rtw314]

Your commentary and mannerisms are literally half the reason I keep coming back for more. The creativity is great too, but plenty of people have creative videos, not everyone is as fun to watch as you.

[@rick2bees]

I have no intention of rebuilding this, but the entertainment factor is through the roof !!!! #martinapurplegoddess

[@ruthiecoltrane6640]

This is so true ❤

[@squu9800]

She's awesome

[@IndEmo3]

thats exactly how i feel!

[@leedavid8061]

Easily the best channel on KZbin! Your incredible attention to detail and craftsmanship is awe-inspiring! I am hooked on your videos now after having watched five already, each back-to-back! I'm a novice in creating paintings and art, having just started in my mid-fifties, However, I've begun branching out to trying different mediums, and I'm currently working on an acrylic/hot glue/wall painting/diorama with 3D effects including lights and other, "fluff" ;) Thank you for sharing your projects with us. I can see I'll be turning to you for a gazillion tips and examples of the, RIGHT WAY TO DO THINGS. Your level of professionalism (in my humble opinion), qualifies you for fantasy set designs for everything from video games, stop motion filmography, and animated movies, if not just straight up television or regular movies. All you would need to move to the next level, is to send potential employers a link to see your, "Online Portfolio". Thanks for sharing the joy. Keep up the good work (You are both amazing and mesmerizing)!

[@Nerdforge]

Thank you so much for the kind words! 🙏

[@morkthebuilder9943]

Your infectious personality and sense of fun is what makes these videos so great. Keep it up I’m loving them❤️

[@kingjayuan2774]

Nerdforge: *creates amazing layout* Cat: It’s Free Real Estate.

[@juliechevalier9859]

My cat is also like that when I do diamond painting or even when I'm just drawing😂 Edit: I had to unstick his paw from my canvas cause he put it on the sticky part in the past. That was a pain to take off without hurting him, but I did it.

[@neonfox582]

@@juliechevalier9859 awwwe poor baby... I hope he's ok 🥺

[@juliechevalier9859]

@@neonfox582 Yes, he is

[@radon4267]

*Styroslicer: pleeeeaaaase kill me ! xD

[@jasond.valentine5931]

This young woman should be a game level designer. This was so damn beautyful.

[@evaduchaine4975]

Jason D. Valentine or movie prop creator

[@KazzieBB]

At least spell it correctly

[@BowsettesFury]

As long as she doesn’t work for Blizzard she would do well.

[@ellebrown675]

Or a set designer for a film!

[@sertu1462]

I think those are two very different crafts. Building a good level for a game has diffrerent requirements and is done with completely different tools.

[@nichellecherry1956]

Looking at Martina's notebook I'm so happy that I'm not the only one that has handwriting like hers: part cursive, part print. Though mine is a little harder to read since I have part chicken scratch too.

[@imortis3k]

I always love watching someone being passionate about their playtime, because we all know that when your doing something you love, its not work.

[@Kendromeda]

Nice to see it’s not just my cat that is like, “oh- you’re crafting here? This is my new nap spot.

[@rubietrinidad2971]

That's my cat when I'm playing minecraft

[@nineblackgoats]

All of our sewing projects need a bit of cat hair, all of our paintings and drawings could use a few paw prints, and what's the point of even owning crafting and art supplies if nobody's knocking them over?

[@brkli1485]

seriously, my cat always sleeps on my sketchbook when I'm drawing. maybe she doesn't like it :(

[@cleosan8150]

First off: This. Is. Amazing. Second: It is so wonderful to see a creator so genuinely happy about something they created and I really loved this video! Oh, and third: I noticed a giant cat monster is guarding the sacred crystal! Good that she's napping =P

[@jeffreycashen6416]

Just watched the video, i found the end result, needed some further away footage so we could see it in it's entirety and a bit of light behind the crystal to show it off (maybe a fading or breathing effect would look really good). You have done such an amazing job on this project, i really enjoyed watching it come together, i am impressed.

[@foxspirit2146]

I only have one question... WHERE DID U GET THAT BIG BEAUTIFUL AMETHYST CRYSTAL!!!

[@aubreyvictoria320]

“A few meditations later...” did Martina just admit to being an elf? Like... doesn’t need to sleep 8 hours just needs to meditate for 4 to gain a full night’s rest?

[@aubreyvictoria320]

Hailey Baker yes lol

[@KonamiAi]

I love how GENUINELY happy she gets with her own projects, it means she likes doing what she's doing, and it just shows! I also just... WOW. I wanna live in the diorama. I love watching people construct mini things, but this was so HUGE and a lot bigger than I originally thought! It turned out so amazing and it was so cool to see Kamui's tutorial working in another project! I LOVE YOU BOTH! Seriously, amazing job! And to think, you just wanted a nice home for a crystal! AMAZING!

[@mommawolf6604]

Awe, how can you work with such a cute helper, love videos with pets helping.

[@mattmays9063]

Legit one of my new favorite channels. Love your ability to bring your imagination to reality and your personality is perfect for this platform. So addicting!

[@tired-snail]

today on nerdforge: how to use a vape for something much more cool than vaping

[@BlackEpyon]

I was thinking of a fog machine, but this works better, I think.

[@bennettcooper5616]

Amen

[@castel1ac0nes]

Because vaping isn't cool Any thing Martina does is cool

[@crunchy1414]

Don’t vape kids, for real

[@sylvia9753]

'There's nice weather. What's this?' -Literally everyone in the Netherlands when the sun shines

[@ezranicholson738]

Same in every season except summer here in England

[@jaqueslagerweij6882]

not really tho

[@TheChibitha]

Also Norway when it is fall and winter XD

[@sonadowfangirl30869]

In Belgium too!

[@DemonicaaD14]

​@@ezranicholson738 I can confirm this, the sun shines throughout the summer, all seven days of it.

[@christytarner9399]

"I'm just gonna go back inside. Where I belong. Thanks." LMAO. I stumbled on this channel this evening looking for book nook builds and two hours later I'm still on this channel watching all the things.

[@GoldenOwlEvents]

I live everything about your videos. The crafting, the music, filming and editing style, great presenter energy, your work space, and your amazing purple hair! 💛💓💜

[@xplod3r]

love how you get so excited while your building, can tell you genuinely enjoy what your doing. makes it even better to watch. great video/project keep it up.

[@AlottaBoulchit]

I LOVE WHEN YOU DO THESE AWESOME HIGH FANTASY PROJECTS MARTINAAA!! 💖💖💖 The movie bits are always a delight as well and I'm loving how you keep increasing your fantasy character elements in these parts!! Have you made any projects on doing like magic wands? I'd really love to see you create some light up magical wands and staffs (staves..? Lol)!! Ohh or maybe some light up magical witch's jewelry that's pulsating a glowing magic? I'm just all out here for high fantasy haha.

[@rinyaskyline]

OMG HI GARNET.

[@EmeraldVideosNL]

Discovered your channel by accident. Now I want to get back into building scenery for my Warhammer/LotR/D&D figures so bad!! It's been years. Recognised the method of building trees too, made me so happy ^_^ Perhaps this was meant to be.

[@SgtMik]

WOW AMAZING WORK!!! I think you should make an acrylic box all round it, put small legs on it and use the top of the acrylic box as a coffee table!!! Would be a great conversation starter piece in your living room

[@garionaolinger8752]

Did anybody else love how the whole model/diorama went from looking like an abandoned area to cared for are by just adding the vegetation? No? Just me? Oh well it still looks awesome

[@rubietrinidad2971]

I'm gonna build it in minecraft

[@Blurillaz23]

Excuse me but I'm high off my ass but I gotta say that introduction had so much creativity, passion, and dedication put into it, it was freaking amazing. I realized that No other KZbinr with millions more subscribers I have seen has ever put that much effort into their videos. Seriously how do you guys not have more subscribers, there is no doubt that creativity comes naturally to them. not only that but the projects are astounding, even the video editing is engaging. we need more KZbinrs like this 💯💓

[@thebloodstorm916]

"Excuse me, but I'm high off my ass," is the best start to any comment ever written, change my mind

[@RyTube996]

The high man speaks the truth

[@shadowr2d2]

We all should smoke. What he is smoking. This was an amazing video..

[@love.wildly.live.fearlessly]

I honestly can’t even start to understand how you know how to make so much amazing stuff ! Like if someone told me to make a smoke machine out of a vape pen I would laugh and literally have NO IDEA how to begin. Like I’d be lost and have zero knowledge of how to even start and think about starting.

[@thomascox-doc9122]

This is so bad ass. The only thing I can think of that would have increased the bad-assery of this piece is if the crystal could have been hollowed and the LED's extended up inside it, giving the whole crystal a glowy effect. Never teh less, I need pieces like this in my life.

[@undeadartdogs708]

Okay, but why did the beginning of the video remind me of The Dark Crystal? (it's a film for those who don't know & also been made into a series on netflix) Like the whole vibe in the forest and the crystal glowing looks like it could be a scene in the film or the netflix series

[@BlackStormHollow1]

You've made a real masterpiece here! I'm so amazed that you gave me want to create my own darkfantasy and sci-fi stuff. Thank you to give us all the hope to realise dreams!!!

[@cornflakes-does-stuff]

Got here from the desktop fountain video and seeing the incredible amount of improovement of your diorama building skills and "rock painting" makes this even more cool and amazing and inspiring!

[@carolinineves2495]

The best part of the vids is how she is proud of herself when everything comes out well

[@rubietrinidad2971]

i LiKe ThAt PaRt ToO¡!

[@Alex-ql7su]

I woke up, opened youtube, saw you uploaded and just went “.....nah breakfast can wait”

[@myabarba2988]

The intro gave me goosebumps!!!

[@marisolvelazco3668]

You should make a type of movie series of just fantasy and stuff on yt I would DEFINITELY watch it

[@shidorikuroko]

+1 for giant cat guardian Hahahaha! Your energy is infectious and your talent is absolutely stunning. I like to imagine this is how some creator god might create a world, squeaking excitedly over some flower and grass samples. LOL

[@theobviouskraken3404]

I have never wanted to gather a bunch of miniatures and play D&D so much in my life! I would quite literally chop off a finger to be able to DM a game on this board! Keep up the amazing work!

[@rfresa]

Kind of ironic to say that to someone who probably did chop off a finger for one of these projects...

[@BarneySaysHi]

Aww, I love the cat just laying on the work piece at 13:29!

[@LavenderRain24]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!!!!! This is the type of fantasy I ADORE! YOU ARE AMAZING MARTINA! Greetings from New Zealand by the way!

[@prestonp.1867]

*Thinking to myself* "Wow, that dirt paint job looks good. I'm really impressed." *Grass and bush flock is added* WOW!

[@Kendromeda]

Music intensifies Music INTENSIFIES MUSIC INTENSIFIES

[@kookykatz]

Does anyone know the name of the songs she used? She doesn’t put them in the description

[@gavinday6335]

@@kookykatz At 18:21, the song playing is A Kings Ransom 3 - Johannes Bornlöf

[@aceofspades3545]

@@kookykatz 3:48 is hysterical by Lexica

[@ZenakuShinobi]

@@aceofspades3545 Any idea what the track is at the beginning of the video?

[@aceofspades3545]

@@ZenakuShinobi No, sorry. Probably just free to use "fansty" music they found somewhere. unless you mean once she starts building

[@billyb4665]

Watching you paint the landscape had a calming effect on me.

[@notronsivart]

4:37 as someone who has built scatter terrain for miniature gaming I understand this. And it's so static-y and sticks to EVERYTHING.

[@TheMacWhitey]

Other People: "Oh, look what a shiny day. The sun is brighten as well. I love the fresh fall mornings." Martina: "Buäh, lets go back in my cellar." I love you :D

[@mars1284]

"I'm just gonna go back inside, where I belong." *Inhale* MOOOD-

[@kus4098]

Once, i had a Clyde too. His name was Max and he also wouldnt eat the tree, he would have destroy everything and than he starts to purr! I loved him! And i am so impressed by your work! Hugs and greets from Germany!

[@davidbrowne3640]

I just enjoy creativity and imagination. Moss on the trees is masterful.

[@xHarpyx]

I'm just gobsmacked by your imagination, creativity and dedication to the projects you take on. I wish I could be like you. I love your channel and I will always support you in whatever you do

[@mscameron22]

I really enjoyed seeing how happy she was when the smoke machine worked... I felt the same way 😁

[@mamajacquelinebts9776]

Aww I love seeing your sweet kitty's. She was like,I will keep you company mom 😊 you're so talented. I really enjoy your creations.

[@Txjane52011]

Supper cool. Love the last shot where the lights came up and you could see the movement of the fog.

[@Sqtgdog]

This is freaking amazing. I don't have the right words of respect and admiration for this kind of creativity and art. Please do more of these.

[@puffinguy9535]

The legends has returned : )

[@rafiqkatana]

I've seen a lot of people make trees out of twisted wire before, over the years. But yours actually *looks like* a tree. ..and not just some badly twisted wire with bits stuck to it. Nice. Great diorama as well.

[@cartoon80s90s]

Wow, you are truly amazing. It looks great. I know the crystal is the main attraction but for me, the tree and the beautiful paint job are what draw me in.

[@missmerbella]

I half expected a couple of hobbits to appear and start skipping around the crystal by the end of the vid.

[@geoffallert1921]

Oh! Another thing. Get a length of polycarbonate rod, about 25mm. Rub with a satin or silkish fabric and those foam pieces will jump onto the rod. Give it a try and let me know.

[@CrowBuilds]

Well that was epic. Wish I was a tiny wizard now so I could travel there

[@JensHanenburgsexy]

I love it!!! Especialy the begining in the woods

[@filipinoarchmage5793]

Putting all the vegetation was the most satisfying part.

[@lissbelfort7728]

When you think it can't get more amazing, she ALWAYS surprises!

[@DreamingBlindly]

This thing is glorious especially with the amethyst quartz!! However though I would have suggested a lighter hue crystal so that the lightning could penetrate it more but at this moment I ducking love the tree, 🌲 landscape

[@rod370]

Hi, It looks 10 times better with the grass all over it. The smole and the lights made it come alive. I think it had to be that big to make the crystal look right. Love the things you make. Its a treat to see you make them on your videos. All in your household stay safe from Covid-19. ;-)

[@mollysmelody4143]

I know this is unrelated to the video, but can we please appreciate how she let one of her cats SLEEP/ LAY on it? I used to watch so many you tubers that do things like her who would most likely hit their animals for sleeping or laying on their project. Around 13:46 is where I’m kinda talking about.

[@IanintheShed]

Martina: I've spent so long on this, it looks awesome! (it really does) Astrid: This looks like a nice place to sleep...

[@ashtonalexandra5103]

I'm new here and have never seen anything like this - I am OBSESSED

[@oliviatanking1287]

I love that the cat gets to just chill on the diorama!

[@theresavandever1387]

Martina this is like the 5th time I've watched this. I love the beginning and you looked fabulous!!

[@dgsofea]

Ugh if I could like this a bazillion times I would!! Such a cool project!! Would've liked to see more of the end results tho, to appreciate it a little bit more ;)

[@voicewithinthevoid]

That looks so beautiful! I love the way you get so happy and excited when you realise how good it will turn out. And that tree is epic!

[@angellale87]

I love her enthusiasm during all the steps 😂❤️

[@kenvng]

Very creative. I love your creativity and talents. Thank you for sharing. As for those foam, should purchase a shop portable vacuum.

[@Abraleo]

WOW, this is a gorgeous piece of art, simply... WOW!

[@lucianithildin1748]

This is AMAZING! I love it to much! The details are astounding!

[@RogersRamblings]

You have an assistant. How wonderful, she obviously shares your talent and passion.

[@mattzstats1282]

Great you find the time to entertain and inform so many people. And still find the time to spend with your cat.

[@MakeOn]

This is absolutely gorgeous! Incredible level of detail, as usual, from you guys. Great edit also!

[@ethe7119]

I love how excited you get over your craft! You have such a wonderful personality and even though it’s clearly stressful at times you keep going and make the most amazing, beautiful creations I’ve ever seen!! Very inspiring and I love your work 🤩❤️❤️❤️

[@AirashiiTiayou]

I would *highly* recommend getting yourself a static grass applicator for future dioramas; it makes a huge difference in the realistic quality of the grass on them because it actually makes the little pieces stand vertically and you can kind of "form" the grass in different directions and stuff to make it seem like there might be wind or something. Anyway, you should definitely get one.

[@henrikmogensen4276]

I love the little Happy Dances of Excitement and "This is gonna look so cool!"

[@808yuri]

Oh my I found my favourite youtuber finally, I'm literally looking for more videos of you 'cause I've seen everything

[@sophiamavrogiannaki8134]

I loved the entire project and the sheer happiness that radiates from you when you create something! Keep up the great work!

[@toyfreaks]

So epic! Great use of negative space for the lighting, from the runic shapes on the standing stones to the more heat-fractured center stones. Good story telling

[@iangreen4572]

I love watching your builds, your excitement and enthusiasm is great 🙂

[@libramagyk]

That's hysterical , I said to myself..when I saw the size of the platform box..where does she put all of these !??🤣 That's gigantic ..and then before the end you say you don't know where you're going to put it...you are so damn funny..love your humour as much as your creations

[@JonathanBlido]

montage + epic × crazy/amazing projects = Nerdforge 15:05

[@Cyb3rM1nd]

I love the fact the cats aren't shooed away. Many people would. You can see the cats are so used to joining in, even sleeping on the model and nobody gets angry or anything. This is amazing. Cats are life! Go Kitties!

[@robinyoung6533]

Take a fabric softener sheet and rub on sleeves and hands. Helps with annoying stickies. Also, another awesome video ! So creative.

[@LaserGadgets]

18:13 in one word: Luke Towan

[@paulcocker3597]

Boulder Creek 👌

[@LaserGadgets]

@@paulcocker3597 !

[@paulcocker3597]

I hope she has seen his channel he lives is the same home town as me

[@LaserGadgets]

@@paulcocker3597 Oh really?? Thats cool!

[@danieltrepuen5247]

First Time Viewer here. You're awesome! Nice work overall. Cute Cats. And your "childish" joy reminded me a lot of Adam Savage. Love it!

[@ButterflyColors]

I feel like you would be really good at making sets for stop motion movies