My name is David, I’m 61 and live in Staffordshire. I work as a Programme Director for a global logistics organisation. Outside of work I obviously enjoy making models, gardening, following all sorts of sports and enjoying seeing my Grandchildren grow up.
Why this site exists
- Fascination with miniature kits
- Sharing hints and tips as my experience has evolved
- Experimenting with custom builds
I stumbled into the world of book nooks by accident. Once I had done one I got hooked. What I discovered early on though is that there is no knowledge hub to help people new to the hobby and so whilst building kits I created this website. I am still a relative beginner in terms of the number of kits I have built (27) compared to the other contributors but my main focus is to carry on improving this site and enjoying an occasional build. I personally prefer dioramas to book nooks as I find they are more challenging but this varies from person to person.
In terms of recommendations on best brands, best kits, best glue etc. these are based on my own experience and from other members in the book nook community….there is definitely no right answer. I also wanted to inject some humour into the model as this is a differentiator from the main stream book nook manufacturers and sellers.
Guest Contributors
I am lucky to have a number of guest contributors who produce reviews on the kits that they build. Please send me an email if you would like to join this growing team.
John A. MacInnes
I’m a passionate book nook and miniature diorama enthusiast who has now completed more than 40 kits, ranging from beginner-friendly builds to more intricate and highly detailed scenes. What started as a single unexpected Christmas gift quickly became a full-blown hobby obsession after being completely bitten by the “nookers” bug.
Ironically, I came into the hobby quite accidentally. Like many dads, I had reached that stage where the kids struggled to think of anything to buy me for Christmas because, apparently, I already had everything. One year, a book nook kit appeared under the tree and that was it — the beginning of a hobby that rapidly grew from curiosity into genuine passion.
Since completing that very first build, the collection has expanded considerably. Alongside the 40+ completed kits, I currently have a stash of 53 waiting to be built, with another five still on the way. Safe to say the hobby escalated rather quickly.
If I had to admit to having a particular preference, it would undoubtedly be atmospheric street scenes, especially those that cleverly use mirrors to create the illusion of depth and hidden places beyond the visible scene. There’s something incredibly satisfying about builds that draw your eye deeper into the miniature world and make you wonder what lies around the next corner.
As for dislikes, plain wooden models tend not to do much for me personally. While I appreciate the craftsmanship involved, I’m far more drawn to immersive scenes packed with character, lighting, storytelling and visual depth.
Through my reviews, guides and community involvement, my aim is to help fellow hobbyists — particularly beginners — make informed choices, discover kits they’ll genuinely enjoy and avoid some of the pitfalls that come with entering this wonderfully addictive hobby.
Martin Seidler
Martin has over 50 years of experience in model building, starting with paper models and expanding into a wide range of disciplines including flying models, radio-controlled aircraft, cars, boats, and dioramas.
He discovered Book Nooks and DIY miniatures only recently, but in less than six months has already completed around 30 builds, with many more in progress. The hobby quickly became a major focus, driven by the creative freedom these kits offer.
Martin enjoys working across a variety of styles rather than specialising in a single theme. He is particularly drawn to scenes that blend urban settings with natural elements, as well as strongly themed interiors that tell a deeper story — whether rooted in culture, history, or everyday life.
A key part of his approach is research. Before starting a build, he often explores the background behind a design — including architecture, historical context, or cultural influences — and uses this understanding to guide his customisations and finishing touches.
While he appreciates well-designed kits as they are, his main interest lies in enhancing them. He regularly incorporates additional lighting, weathering, greenery, visual effects, and 3D-printed details to increase realism and atmosphere, while still respecting the original design.
Alongside his modelling experience, Martin has spent much of his professional career in leadership roles, with a strong focus on mentoring and developing others. This carries through into his involvement in the Book Nook community, where he actively shares advice, answers questions, and supports fellow builders.
As both a builder and reviewer, he focuses not just on the finished result, but on the full building experience — including design quality, ease of construction, and opportunities for customisation — helping others get more from their own projects.
D.J. Gibson
My first Book Nook was MiniCity – Beyond Library Max in late April, 2025. That kit rekindled joy of model making from my youth.
As of May 2026, I have completed more than 125 Book Nook and Miniature House style kits. Along with those, I have also completed numerous “nook adjacent” builds including clocks, night lights, marble runs and more. Along the way, I have accumulated a current stash of more than 120 kits to be built. To say I fell down the rabbit hole of Nooking would be an understatement.
My preferred kit style truly is a tab and slot (mortise and tenon) type of build requiring minimal glue. I have come to appreciate what I refer to as “hybrid” style builds that combine the tab and slot construction along with Miniature House “fiddly bits” to populate the build common from IIE Create. My least favorite style are the true Miniature House kits requiring you to build absolutely every little bit in the kit along with needing a master class in the art of wallpaper application. The odd part there is just how many Miniature House kits are in my stash!
I have worked within Training for more than 30 years and therefore, I provide honest and in depth feedback on my builds. I have discovered over the past year which manufacturers to support and which to possibly steer builders clear of, unless they take that as a challenge as I have previously. I always try to provide tips when I see someone starting a build that may have some hiccups or answer their questions during their build journey.
Outside of Nooking, I am a crazy cat dad to 11 fur babies who share my home. You will occasionally see them in my reviews and will likely see more of them as I learn my way on TikTok.
I am a Sci-Fi and fantasy fan so it should come as no surprise that some of my favorite builds are in those genres. I also enjoy the growing horror themed kits that have recently been added to the market.
As I get even deeper down the rabbit hole, I am learning how to modify some kits, particularly the lighting, to add to their uniqueness. Let’s face it, who has a fireplace that doesn’t flicker? Perhaps one day I may try my hand at a custom build as there are many kit ideas floating around in my imagination.
Happy Nooking to you all!
Charlotte Chapman
Lottie is not a book nooker per se but she supports her Dad i.e. me in handling social media content and supporting me with my addiction. She is a Marketing Manager in a top UK company and therefore knows social media like the back of her hand. She has also gratefully received 3 of my builds into her household. One for her and 2 for my gorgeous Grandchildren.
Contact Details
General Enquiries
- David Richards
- Email: David@booknookworkshop.com
© 2026 Book Nook Workshop. All rights reserved.
Reviews, photographs and written content may not be reproduced without permission.