- 1). Plan the scene for the diorama to decide where the pulley will go in the diorama case. Make a drawing to scale on graph paper. The usual diorama scale is 1 inch to 1 foot.
- 2). Obtain the miniature pulley(s) and cord or rope. Hardware stores and craft stores carry these items. Twine or cotton cord work as miniature rope.
- 3). Use a ruler or tape measure on the top of the diorama case to find the right location for the pulley according to your scale drawing. For example, if you need a pulley to suspend a trunk 6 inches from the left side of the diorama---from the viewer's perspective---measure 6 inches from the left edge of the case as you face the open side of the diorama. Mark the pulley location on the top of your diorama case with pencil.
- 4). Using a drill for a wooden diorama case or a utility knife for a cardboard box, make a slot for working the pulley. If you're constructing a closed-front diorama---one that will be sealed with glass or acrylic, make the slot large enough to remove the pulley through the top of the case in case the rope gets tangled or falls inside the case. If the diorama will remain accessible, making a hole in the top of the case for the rope alone will work.
- 5). Guide a piece of rope or cord through the pulley's channel. Attach the miniature hook to one end, if needed. For instance, the rope might have a hook to attach to cargo straps. Tie the end of the rope to the object you wish to move, if that is how you want to use the pulley, or use an extra-strength adhesive.
- 6). Put another piece of cord through the ring at the top of the pulley. Place the pulley in position in the diorama and guide the cord that is holding the pulley through the slot in the top of the diorama case. You can work the pulley from the top of the case, or put the cord in back to one side. Tie the end of the cord holding the pulley around a wooden spool or cork to prevent it from falling into the diorama.
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