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Lesley on Jan 29, 2023
5 out of 5 starsI love Etsy. LOVE. I have bought one gagillion (approximately) treasures on this site, including things for my wedding that still remain very sentimental to me. That being said, I still think this might be my favorite Etsy purchase ever, just for its sheer uniqueness and the utter delight it brings me. I wanted a custom color scheme and reached out to shop owner, Nino, who was quickly responsive and so, so helpful and lovely. (Apparently, delightful things are built by delightful people.) He built this version for me right away and shipped it the next day. It arrived quickly and in PERFECT condition and I absolutely could not love this any more than I do. Thank you for the completely excellent shopping experience and the way-beyond-five-star customer service!
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James on Jan 21, 2023
5 out of 5 starsThis is the second custom order I’ve placed with Nino. He exceeded my expectations and was a pleasure to communicate with on both occasions.
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Malinda on Jan 5, 2023
5 out of 5 starsIt’s probably my favorite piece now. Wonderfully done and just awesome.
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Ilana on Dec 15, 2022
5 out of 5 starsI ordered 2 custom frames and they came out perfect and with a really quick turnaround! Nino was so nice, easy to work with and really helped make sure I got what I was looking for. Highly highly reco
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Logan on Dec 5, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThe seller is very kind and accommodating. Will for sure do business in the future!
About DioramaGuy
My hobby has value? I have an idea!
Model building was a talent I didn't know I had. I just fell in love with it during art school. When I was hired as an exhibit designer just after graduation, I had the opportunity to use these skills occasionally, but not as much (or to the level of detail) as I desired to.
For many years, I would view the miniature railroad at the museum I worked at and think about how awesome it would be to build something like this... but with an ominous tone to it! For years, I visualized and dreamt of this layout, even keeping a list of things I wanted to be a part of it.
Finally, over ten years later, now married with a house - and a small workshop in the garage - I thought it was about time to start working towards this goal! I met an awesome photographer (who specialized in abandonments) and approached him with the idea of building a highly detailed miniature of an abandoned building. He loved the idea and invited me to join an art show with a few other photographers to display such a project. I couldn't believe the response to my work! The piece did not sell, but seeing people staring in amazement at my work, really lit the fire!
Not long after this show I decided to donate a sculpted plaque using some leftover material from the project to donate several items for a fundraiser. I created 6 castings from the original sculpture and raised about $600 for the campaign! This made me think "Maybe I could do this. I could sell smaller pieces to begin funding the big one!"
My next step was a horror convention. I used the now popular "crowd funding" concept at this convention to raise money to build a larger platform with several buildings, landscaping and even animations! Once again, I was overwhelmed by the support of horror fans in making this happen - I met my funding goal and ever surpassed it a bit!
It was after this convention that I decided to open this Etsy store to share my creations with more than just the attendees of a local art show or horror convention, I decided it was time to share them with the world!
Thanks for reading my story! Please visit my Facebook page to view the above mentioned projects (and many others). I hope you decide to follow along as this story progresses! I feel like it's just getting started!
Shop members
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Nino Balistrieri
Owner, Model Builder, Owner
Interactive exhibit designer by day, haunted house designer by night. I build dioramas in any free time I get in-between. This shop was created as a way to share my creations with the world while supporting my model building habit!
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Cancellations: accepted
Request a cancellation: before item has shipped