Diagon Alley Book Nook

I came across this wonderful DIY video from Nerdforge and had to make my very own Diagon Alley Booknook.  This was a fun start to finish!

I made it a little too big I will adjust the next one.  Its final size is 9"x5"x12".  I used 1/8" MDF for the frame- next time this will be 1/4".  This is what a prototype is for, to work out the kinks.

The bricks are made from foam bought at the hardware store.  I cut into different sizes then used scissors to distress to make them look like stone. I stuck on MDF frame with concrete molding paste. then painted with black gesso.  Next used a stencil paint brush to add color, use a variation of brown/grey for stone effect.

The floor is made with modling paste, a stencil and paint.

The storefronts are made from chipboard, designed them in corel draw then cut with a laser engraver.  Next just lots of patience to shape and form into 3-D structures with moulding and doors.  Painted with acrylic paint and distressed.

All the signs and lanterns are made with chipboard, glued on some printed paper signs.  Finally used a string of LED lights in the windows to light up the book nook.

I can't wait to make another one, and different scenes.  

Camera Box

I saw a camera kit on Kits n Kabooble and loved it so i decided to build my own.  Here is my take

My favorite thing is the light bulbs, found smaller fun shaped ones at the grocery store, perfect.

Inside camera frame is a concertina that i made after watching a tutorial from Kits n Kaboodle.  Really love of the shape of the concertina resembles vintage folding cameras.  Concertina contains mini booklets and photos slides.

View from the top.

To make the mechanicals i layered together bolts, washers, and chipboard gears.  Paint with black gesso, then paint with umber brown acrylic paint.

Next rub on alchemy white gold wax with fingers or a stiff bristle brush.  The final look is fantastic, aged metal.