The Teacup Timber Mill

The Scene: A classic, chipped ceramic teacup lies on its side in a patch of autumnal grass. The cup is white with a faded blue floral pattern, and its handle forms a perfect arched bridge.

The Tiny World Inside: The teacup is a bustling, miniature village built for squirrels and chipmunks. The inside of the cup is the main square, with tiny cobblestones (pebbles). The saucer is a mill pond, dammed with a twig, where leaves are floated like barges. A matchstick waterwheel is turned by a trickle of water (perhaps from a recent rain shower). Tiny "logs" (cut twigs) are stacked neatly, ready for winter.

The Magic of Fall: A curl of birch bark is a merchant's stall, selling seeds and dried berries. A procession of ants carries a single, large pumpkin seed like a harvest festival offering. The entire scene is lit by the warm, low light of the autumn sun, making the white ceramic glow.