The Cool Beans Coffee/Tea Shop

Several years ago, the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts (NAME) Online Group had a swap with the theme of tea/coffee. So ever since then, I've been intending to create a coffee/tea shop and I've been diligently collecting items for it.

 I decided to create a very small shop inside this container I bought from Michael's (on its side)--before I collect anymore--because there's no more space :). I also wanted to practice building a small kitchen because next I want to work on my restaurant kitchen.

As you can see, Tom the builder is quite busy thinking up ideas in his office.  One idea seems to have thrown him to the side in shock!

First, I made the back counter, using tips from Creating Dolls' House Kitchens in 1/12th scale by Julie Warren. 

I made the refrigerator separately using plastic acrylic from packaging and stainless steel drawer and shelf lining purchased on Amazon. I still need to add the handle.

(The Cool Beans sign is from aweebitteeny from the Chicago Three Blind Mice show-I think. The electric kettle is from Delph Miniatures, purchased in London; the box of tea is from Cinen Miniatures purchased on Etsy. The tiles were purchased from KES Miniatures at the Shelly Norris online show. The cow creamer/pitcher were purchased online from the store Dollhouses and More. The coffee maker was purchased on Ebay.)

I put some painted brickwork (purchased from HBS miniatures) as a backsplash and glued in the tiles. 

I also made the faucet using jewelry findings and various other findings around the house, but I wouldn't recommend my method as the pen spring part kept making my parts spring apart and I should've been wearing safety glasses.

I added the front counter. The brass and copper hot water pot is from Denmark, as we chanced upon a store selling several shelves of dollhouse items while on vacation there. I was super excited to find it!

(The Lipton tea and other teas on the shelf is from Sue's Little Things on Ebay. The cake is from Cspykersminiatures on Etsy.)

I added a top shelf for more of the coffee items that I had. 

I also found various dessert items from NAME online group swaps and put those in the front cabinet.

Here's a close-up of those items:

I found this potholder at the little show in Denver (sold by David's Dollhouse). It matches the colors of the tiles perfectly.  That was my subconscious working :)

(The yellow teapot is by Ginger Landon Siegel and the British flag tea pot is from Dollshouse Emporium. The tea cup clock is from Otterine (I think).)

I then added some signs I've collected:

And I managed to add the aprons I made. One apron has a tea theme, the other has a coffee theme. 

For the swap, I gave the coffee with whip cream, a coffee-themed apron and a pillow. (I was thinking of a coffee shop like on Friends, but unfortunately, I haven't figured out yet how to add my "coffee" pillows to the scene.)

And the latest iteration:

It's not done yet, but it's getting there.  

Have a great weekend!