DIY book nooks have become a favorite project for hobbyists who enjoy miniature design, creativity, and hands-on craftsmanship. These small diorama-style scenes, designed to fit between books on a shelf, combine elements of model building, painting, and lighting. While building a book nook can be highly rewarding, it is also easy to make mistakes along the way that affect the final result. Understanding common pitfalls can help both beginners and experienced builders avoid frustration, save time, and achieve a more polished finished piece. The following sections highlight typical errors that occur in DIY book nook projects and offer guidance on…

I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. February’s post is all about lino cuts & an Irish Chain mini. The Monthly Thread: February’s lino cuts & an Irish Chain mini February was a great month for us to get creative, especially with Shrove Tuesday, lots of birthday celebrations and a few days away on the south coast. I…

I mentioned that I over the weekend I attended a subverted tea towel workshop with Holly Searle at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Using vintage tea towels, the original meaning is subverted by adding a statement which alters the original perspective. It was fun and a great way to spend a morning. The Fashion and Textile Museum I’ve been to the Fashion and Textile Museum a few times now. It’s a wonderful exhibition space near London Bridge. At the moment they have an exhibition called Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop. Cosprop specialises in period costume for film, television and…

I can’t believe my two weeks Christmas break is at an end. I’m trying not to think about work on Monday, instead focusing on my beautiful Christmas Countdown embroidery. I thought I’d write a post about part 3 & 4 as I’ve had so much lovely time to stitch over the last two weeks. Christmas Countdown embroidery {part 3 & 4} Part 3 was motifs 13-18 and included wrap gifts, make eggnog, go ice skating, dry oranges, Christmas film night and send a card. These were so much fun to stitch whilst watching tv. Part 4 was motifs 19-24 and…

The end of the year has arrived quickly and December has been the busiest month of all. It’s been a busy month with pretty much non-stop activity. There has been gingerbread making, tree decorating, card writing, reading, stitching and visiting exhibitions, making for a truly analogue end to the year – a trend I shall be carrying on into 2026. What I made December 2025 December was a month for making miniatures. Our Maileg mice gingerbread house came out and was decorated for the Christmas season. We made more mini Maileg Christmas costumes and crafted cardboard tube crowns to celebrate…