Eternal Bookstore

Winter is the time for craft projects. One of my lifelong passions has been miniatures, and more recently, book nooks ā€“ tiny scenes to tuck into a bookcase. I built my second one in February 2023. I chose The Eternal Bookstore because the design is so appealing. I’m charmed by the intricate cutouts, the books, the hidden lighting, and the archway at the back where stairs lead to … somewhere.

Building this book nook was quite a different experience from the Colmar Fairy Town (which I had renamed Grace and Peace). All the parts of this new kit are printed on wood, and laser cut for a simple punch-out approach. Iā€™m in awe of the engineering ā€“ everything fits perfectly, quite a feat at this scale.

Printed and laser cut boards
The kit comes in a flat box with all the pieces, electrical components and a detailed instruction booklet.

The instructions are clear and the pieces are well labelled. I started by preparing a lot of the components, which I enjoy, and it helps the build go faster later on. Also I spent a lot of time filing away tiny connectors on the laser cut edges and painting them to match so the sanding doesn’t show.

Punch out the pieces and assemble the components. Relaxing.
Left wall and back
Here is the left wall and back with some of the electrical in place.
So many charming details. I put a paper layer below the rug and curled the corner a bit. That black 3D-print is one of two cats you will see in the finished nook, painted by granddaughter.
I swapped in a sunny scene for the window. I was worried that the loft would be spoiled by all the posters, but in the end I liked it. I did leave out the two-dimensional cactus.
I replaced some of the flat decorations. My new candles are made from earring backs on paper clip wire, a lollipop stick, and dampened fibre with a little glue for the flame. The dripping wax is just thick paint.

I felt a little sorry when it was time to put on the final side and the top because after that you can only see the fine details from the front opening. Here are a few views of the finished Eternal Library book nook.

My completed Eternal Bookstore booknook