Life in miniature

One of the joys in life which I have rediscovered in recent years is building book nooks and miniature rooms. Since completing my first one at Christmas three years ago, I now have eight (I think!) around the house. I don't know quite what it is about these cosy scenes which I find so alluring, but they're utterly captivating. Maybe it's that as my world has shrunk, they offer a glimpse into a magical miniature world, where the imagination isn't limited and the possibilities for adventure are huge.

In making these, I've definitely built my confidence in dealing with the (admittedly very basic) electronics and wiring which is required. One of the kits I've built has a faulty light - of course it's the only one which didn't include checking that the LED worked before starting on the rest of the build, so that's been a lesson in itself. One day I might get around to carefully taking it apart enough to see if I can identify where the fault is, and do something about it...

The bakery, with non-functioning light

My recent builds have included a music shop which opens up at one side, and a time and space museum which has a number of moving parts - both new to me, and definitely good additions. Other kits with similar details have already been added to my wishlist - or links sent to my Beloved, since he's the main source of these for me!

So far I have followed the instructions entirely when building the kits, but am starting to think about branching out slightly and venturing into the world of customisation. Adding occasional plants and greenery, or making a simple wooden floor seem like good places to start to make these my own individual creations - and since I never throw out the leftover spare pieces from completed kits, I definitely have sufficient resources to give it a go. This would also help with the main 'problem' with the kits - that they're always over too soon! Taking the time to think about minor changes and adaptations which I might make will extend the fun of building for longer, which feels like a real bonus.

As well as creating a warm atmosphere with the little lights all around the room, there's something almost magical about the glimpses into these tiny worlds. For all that I know that fairy folk aren't real, there's definitely still a part of me that wishes they were, and that likes to imagine them exploring the library, buying cakes in the bakery, and having a coffee in the little street, or settling down in the rocking chair with a good book. Maybe, just maybe, one day I'll catch a glimpse of them...