Fantasy Fiber

Today wasn't about glue or paint—it was all about planning! I've finally transferred the complete layout of the diorama onto the XPS foam, marking the position of every key element: trenches, tunnels, bunkers, craters, and the placement of all the miniatures. It's still just a blueprint, but for the first time I can really see the project taking shape. Now the fun begins! I have a feeling I'll be spending tonight carving the trenches. From this point on, the concept will slowly turn into a real battlefield. If you'd like to follow the project step by step, stay tuned. The journey to the Gaahleri GWCC 2026 has only just begun! 🔥

Today it's time to turn ideas into reality: the XPS foam has been cut, glued to the wooden base, and is now ready to be carved. This is where the trenches, shell craters, elevation changes, and all the details that will bring my GWCC diorama to life will begin to emerge. We're still at the very beginning, but this is the stage where every cut and every decision will shape the final result. Stay tuned for the next updates—I'll soon start carving the terrain and bringing the battlefield to life. 💀🎨

No painted miniatures today... just planning! 🎨

I'm going through my Villainy Inks palette from Grimdark Compendium and carefully deciding which shades I'll use for my Chaos Space Marines and the scenic elements of the trenches.

Every color helps tell a story: rust, dirt, moisture, oil, and the scars of endless war. Choosing the right palette will make all the difference in creating the grimdark atmosphere I have in mind for this project.

🚨 GWCC Project Update! 🚨

It's time to reveal another piece of my GWCC diorama!

After showing you my Krieg, I can finally reveal that they will serve as the vanguard for a force of Space Marines ready to enter the battlefield.

This is the first Intercessor that will be part of the project. For the armor, I chose a cool blue-grey scheme that perfectly matches the atmosphere I want to create in the diorama.

If you like this armor color, in the last image you'll also find the four Green Stuff World paints I used to achieve it. Hopefully they'll be useful for your own painting projects!

Let me know what you think of the color scheme and, most importantly, if you're curious to see how this diorama comes together. The best is yet to come! 💙⚔️

Today I'm taking a little break to relax in the park. 🌳 Sometimes stepping away from the workbench is exactly what you need to clear your mind and find new inspiration. The funny thing is... even while I'm trying to switch off, I keep looking at the ground and thinking about my GWCC diorama. 😂 Now I'm seriously wondering if I should collect some real soil and use it for my WW1 trenches. It would certainly add a level of realism that's hard to replicate with hobby materials. Of course I'd need to clean and prepare it properly first, but the idea is becoming more and more tempting! What do you think? Have any of you ever used real soil in a diorama, or do you prefer sticking to dedicated basing products? I'd love to hear your experiences! 🌿

The second Krieg is finally complete! For this project, I'm combining Green Stuff World's Opaque Colors and Maxx Formula with Grimdark Compendium enamels... and the more I use them together, the more I'm convinced these two brands were made for each other. The opaque colors create a solid, realistic foundation, the Maxx Formula adds depth, and the enamels bring exactly the dirty, battle-worn atmosphere I was aiming for in this diorama. I can't wait to finish the entire Krieg squad and move on to the part I've been looking forward to the most: digging the trenches. The project is slowly coming to life, one step at a time.

While waiting for the XPS foam I ordered to arrive so I can start building the diorama structure, I'm moving forward with the project and have begun painting the second Krieg soldier who will be positioned on the trench. ⚔️ For now, I'm still working on the basecoat stage using only Green Stuff World Opaque Colors, choosing cold and desaturated tones to reinforce the grim military atmosphere I have in mind for this GWCC project. These are just a few WIP photos, but the diorama is slowly starting to take shape. Now it's time to wait for the XPS foam so I can begin building the terrain and trench sections. What do you think about the color scheme for this Krieg trooper? 👇

One of the Krieg soldiers assigned to the trench sector of my GWCC 2026 diorama. Covered in mud, scarred by war, and illuminated only by the glow of his mask lenses, he advances through the trenches while artillery thunders in the distance. He is not a hero. He is not a legend. He is simply doing his duty. This trooper is part of a small Death Korps of Krieg squad that will occupy the front line of the diorama. There is still a long way to go, but the project is finally starting to take shape. 💬 If you'd like to know the paints and techniques I used to paint him, let me know in the comments and I'll share the full color scheme!

Hello everyone!

My name is Marco Contiello, also known online as Fantasy Fiber, and I am a miniature painter and content creator from Italy.

I have been passionate about miniature painting, storytelling and the Warhammer universe for many years. For me, every miniature is more than just a model: it is a story waiting to be told.

I am incredibly excited and honored to participate in the Gaahleri World Creation Contest 2026. This project will challenge me not only as a painter, but also as a storyteller, as I will be creating a diorama inspired by themes that are deeply meaningful to me.

Over the coming months I will be sharing the entire journey: from the first sketches and terrain building to the final painted piece.

Thank you to Gaahleri for this opportunity, and good luck to all participants. I can't wait to see everyone's amazing creations!