| Is that a diorama in your basement...or is that a | | | | That scenic backdrop serves two purposes--it covers |
| dinosaur in your casement? That could be the | | | | up or camouflages the ugly metal or concrete |
| opening line of a Dr. Seuss book, or it could be a silly | | | | window well, and it provides a gorgeous scene to |
| rhyme you make up while having some family fun. | | | | enjoy. |
| Here's a terrific home decorating project the whole | | | | You can find just what you need to make the |
| family can participate in. It's not expensive, it will just | | | | backdrop at Do you want a colorful perennial garden |
| take an hour or two, and the results are a standout | | | | right outside your window? Or maybe you would like |
| conversation piece with long-lasting decorating value. | | | | a serene waterfall. You might wish you had a |
| You literally can make a diorama in your basement if | | | | mountain or river view. Or perhaps you'd like to live |
| you are lucky enough to have one or more of those | | | | on a golf course. There are beautiful and impressive |
| big window wells in your basement. (First you have | | | | scenes of a woods, canyon, lake, and countryside. If |
| to be lucky enough to have a basement. If you don't | | | | you're into sunrises, there's a gorgeous one available. |
| have a basement, read the end of this article.) | | | | Paradise awaits with the dramatic ocean scene with |
| The big egress window wells are eyesores--who | | | | lots of sand and palm trees. Add a miniature beach |
| wants to look at that much galvanized metal or | | | | chair and beach umbrella or a bucket and shovel, and |
| concrete? But those big window wells are just what | | | | you're there. |
| you need for this project. | | | | Every one of the scenes could make an impressive |
| You can make a diorama out of the deep well by | | | | focal point in your basement. Just make your choice, |
| lining the curved window well with a decorative | | | | collect the items you want to add, and you have the |
| scenic liner to make the backdrop and then by | | | | makings of a great family decorating project. You will |
| customizing the foreground with whatever materials | | | | have a great time together! |
| you choose--landscape materials like rock or mulch, | | | | Oh yes--if you don't have a basement or you don't |
| driftwood, boulders, figurines or sculptures, water | | | | have window wells, these huge scenic panels make |
| features, and artificial or potted real plants. If you | | | | great one-piece wall murals. Since they are |
| have a window well grate covering the opening at | | | | waterproof, they can be wiped off if anything |
| the top, you could even hang items down from the | | | | splashes on them. Just staple or tack the panels up |
| grate using clear fishing line. Think about flying birds, | | | | on the wall. Trim them out with wood molding, and |
| insects, and pterodactyls! Or how about jumping | | | | they will look like huge framed art on the wall. |
| dolphins, whales, or fish! Each person in the family can | | | | Your family can still have fun adding things to the |
| contribute to the project by adding an item to the | | | | pictures like plastic bugs. Now where is that hot glue |
| scene. | | | | gun? |