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• The theme you choose may vary depending on the ultimate size you want and a number of supplies you have. A very broad theme may not be able to be accomplished in a small shoebox, while a very specific theme will be difficult to accomplish in a large frame.
• Consider the availability of your supplies. If you want to make a diorama with an ocean theme, but have nothing to represent water or fish, it will be difficult to accomplish.

Plan your diorama. Create a list of ideas for possible inclusions for your diorama. How do you want the background to look? Will you use found objects only, or printed pictures as well? Do you need to buy any supplies to create your scene, or can it all be made using things from your home and garden? Brainstorming ideas prior to starting to build up your diorama will help you to have a more finished looking piece.

• Try making a rough sketch of what you want your ideal diorama to look like. Think of the composition of the piece, and the layout of all the figures.
• Gather as many of the supplies for the project as you are able prior to put it together. Getting the supplies organized will make the assembly of your diorama much easier than trying to find them as you work.

Select a frame. Because dioramas have layers of background, they need a box or frame that is several inches deep. For a basic diorama, a shoebox or old shipping box can be turned on its side and used. Larger dioramas can be created out of a large wooden crate or frame attached to a box. Anything that gives the illusion of a small open-faced room can be used as the frame for your diorama.

• If you have specific goals in mind for your diorama, you can consider building a box out of wood to fit your desired dimensions.
• Get creative with the frame for your diorama. For example, a diorama depicting a family scene or people could be done in a refurbished dollhouse.

Create your background. Your diorama should be worked on from the back to the front. As you work, you will add layers of details and images which create depth in your scene. Make the background first against the farthest wall of your box. Consider painting a basic scene or printing an image and gluing it on. You could also create a collage out of magazine cutouts to act as the background for your diorama.

• Don’t forget to add a background image to the inside sides as well as the furthest back side.
• If you want, you can paint the outside of your box a different color to add a more finished look. This should be done before you begin adding layers and figurines to your diorama.

Begin adding details. Add your first layer of details and objects at the back and near the sides of your diorama. At this point, you could add larger detail items such as trees, rocks, or pieces of furniture. Keep to the edges of your project, as you will work inwards and forwards as you go.

Finish the landscape. Complete the background for your diorama by adding any additional landscape details you may want. If you are creating a nature scene, add anything to represent trees, grass, flowers, rocks, et cetera. The same should be done for any scene though - add in everything you want for a completed landscape.