1. Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you first discover the world of book nooks?
I am 62 and live in Staffordshire with my wife and son and 2 Japanese Spitz dogs. I am also lucky enough to have my daughter and 2 of my Grandchildren living close by. My job is an IT Programme Director for a global logistics company.
I discovered the world of book nooks by mistake. I was going through a stack of Christmas presents which the family order through me from Temu in early October and there was this little kit which I didn’t recognise and didn’t remember buying. I saw it was a miniature model and I thought “Wow, my wife loves miniatures, I will build it for her as a surprise. My brain should have clicked that it was on her Christmas wish list!
2. What was the very first book nook or miniature kit you built, and what do you remember most about it?
It was called Magic Library which was from Temu (see above). What I remember is that I had to cut out and glue every book cover and everything was glue i.e. not snap & click. With hindsight I would rank it as an intermediate kit and definitely not one for beginners. Despite all the issues I had the end result was so nice and the tiny furniture was fun to make and I was hooked.
3. What keeps you coming back to the hobby? What do you enjoy most about building?
It is such a rewarding way to relax. I have no natural artistic talent so book nooks enabled me to produce an end product which is so pleasing and of course lots of dopamine hits.
4. How would you describe your building style in three words?
Structured, organised & methodical
5. Which completed project are you most proud of, and why does it stand out?
Time magic castle. It was the first book nook (diorama) that had moving parts (rotating tower & clock) and a sound card. It turned out perfectly and I gifted it to my Granddaughter who still turns it on daily.
6. Do you prefer building straight from the instructions or adding your own customisations? Can you share a favourite modification?
The only customisation I tend to do is to add family photos and some 3D plants. However I have built a book nook from scratch which I designed and built so that is 100% customisation.
7. What essential tools, glues or materials could you not live without?
B7000 glue is my one of choice. Acrylic markers for touching up edges and some very sharp and precise craft scissors.
8. Which manufacturer or designer consistently produces your favourite kits, and what makes them special?
This is a really hard one as you think you have experienced your best kit manufacturer and then you find another one. I think ETKVR and Cutebee are the ones that I return to
9. What’s the most challenging build you’ve ever tackled, and how did you overcome the difficult parts?
Not a book nook but I still count it – ROKR space shuttle. A massive project with lots of gears and electrics but the feeling I got when the mechanism finally worked was awesome
10. Have you ever had a build go completely wrong? What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?
Dreamy Book Hall, a very early build and it has terrible instructions and some challenging construction. In the end I binned it out of frustration. I am currently redoing it and it is still as bad even though I have done lots of builds in between, but experience is allowing me to progress.
11. What tips would you give someone building their very first book nook?
Read the instruction manual twice to make sure you understand what you are building. Test the electrics all work before starting. Ask people for help or check YouTube videos.
12. If you could improve one thing about today’s book nook kits, what would it be?
More 3D objects as they really improve the look but this will also drive up prices but some people will pay the extra
13. Where do you find inspiration for your projects? Books, films, architecture, travel or somewhere else?
Architecture and memories are the things that inspire me the most
14. What techniques have you learned that instantly made your models look more realistic?
As I said I do not really do much customisation and the kits that I generally do are not really meant to be realistic.
15. Do you have a dedicated workshop or crafting space? We’d love to hear about your setup.
I am very lucky as I have a large home study. At my work desk there is enough space to work on models while on conference calls (don’t tell my boss). I also have a large crafting table which is necessary when you are doing the larger dioramas.
16. If money and time were no object, what dream book nook would you love to create?
I would love to create a version of Worcester cathedral. My home city and it was integrated with my School.
17. Which upcoming kit or project are you most excited about?
My intention is to build a Cotswold Christmas village in modular form which will be added to over a 5 year period and can be taken down each year.
18. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start designing their own original book nooks?
Do not try and construct the actual shell. This part is available to buy in different sizes but you will be ensured of a stable infrastructure,
19. What does the book nook community mean to you, and how has it influenced your hobby?
What can I say. I created this website, the Facebook group is growing exponentially and I am now a Robotime Pre Brand ambassador
20. Finally, where can readers find you online, and is there anything exciting you’d like to share with the Book Nook Workshop community?
LOL I guess I share everything here, on Facebook andInstagram
One or 2 word answers
* Coffee or tea while building? – Red Bull
* Daytime or late-night builder? – Daytime
* Tweezers or fingers? – Fingers
* Warm white or coloured LEDs? Warm White
* Your dream book nook theme in one word? Cathedrals
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