Picture frames

I have always built my dioramas on picture frames. I find it a easy way to make professional looking bases with a minimum amount of work. I prefer rather simple frames that have a stepped-pyramid style cross-section, so that the diorama looks like it is on a pedestal instead of concave-style frames which would look like your diorama was built in a bowl. I then cut a block of styrofoam, usually about 3/8ths to an inch thick, (depending on the size of the diorama and whether you need more depth to your topography) to fit inside of the frame, completely covering the glass. Then I build the diorama and when I'm finished, I build a rectangle with basswood strips (which have been painted black), to cover the exposed edges of the styrofoam. This is tricky because you need the styrofoam to be perfectly straight with clean edges and square corners in order to get the basswood strips to form a neat looking box. I then finish by sealing the edges of the ground work to the basswood box with either spackle paste or white glue, and carefully painting this to match the ground work. This sounds like a lot of work, but it helps win shows for me. I don't know how many nice looking dioramas I've seen at shows that are ruined by sloppy looking edges around the base.

Thats pretty cool Leopold. Ive been working on mine today and have already learned afew things from mistakes Ive made. First thing I did wrong, was I didnt plan enough. Just jumped right in and started building. I also used the recessed frame like you were talking about, so it does look as though its in a bowl . Of course, I bet this affect could be useful in the right situation.
But so far, I very much enjoy working with this type of base and I can see myself using it quiet extensively . Thanks for the input.

I use mdf with the edges routed. Along the same lines as the picture frame, I reccomend checking the "trim" section in your local DIY center or lumber yard. Lots of very cool decorative trim and detail for bases.

My only fear with the styrofoam and plaster is that if there is any flex, your plaster will crack. Especialy if you use a thin layer.

Mike

Just an additional info guys. I found that there are wooden and varnished chopping boards that can be used as dio bases. The wood is bit heavier than the ordinary picture frames/plaque but it is also tougher and less likely to bend/warp. These come in nicely routed edges, too. In my area, these chopping boards come cheaper than the plaques.