Friday, March 29, 2019

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!





14 comments:

  1. This is so cute!!!! Love the coffee pot and the hot water pot. Those are nice additions. I would not worry about adding pillows. If you want just add a picture of the 'Friends' on the wall. The roombox is adorable without them though!!
    Mini huggs,
    Conny

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    1. Thanks so much. Yes, I don't think it needs the pillows now.

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  2. This just couldn't be more adorable, Penelope! I love your fridge and sink, the aprons and hanging sign for them, and your faucet! So creative! I also love all of the accessories you picked to fill the space! The copper kettle is so neat, and all those delicious looking desserts are so much fun! I love also the container you picked - it gives you all the display area you need to get the point across and include some really special items without having to take up so much space! It's perfect and you should be really proud of it! Cool Beans!

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    1. Thank you! That's so funny that you said "Cool Beans"! I always say that to my kids, so I was so happy when I found a sign that said "Cool Beans." And that's why I named it that. I should've included that in my post, but I forgot. Thanks for all your compliments!

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  3. I love it. Compact and full of fantastic accessories. Cool everything!
    Hugs,
    Drora

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    1. Thanks so much! I think "compact" may be the way to go for me. I feel like I can get it done.

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  4. I love it. Enough to fill in the space but it doesn't look crowded. And your colors are lovely.

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    1. Thanks so much! I am sure I will find more stuff and it may begin to look crowded, but for now, it does work. I'm going to add one more shelf so it's balanced. I am very happy with the colors, too.

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  5. It is absolutely AMAZING at how much detail you were able to squeeze into this narrow space and still make it look entirely functional- Really Beautiful Work Penelope!

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    1. Thank you so much Elizabeth! Yes, my friend came over and was surprised at how small it was in real life! The space fit more than I expected in the end.

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  6. This is a shop were I love to go in, a cup of tea please and some of those sweet pies mmm!
    have a nice coffee or tea break!
    groetjes van Marijke

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    1. Thanks so much Marijke! Coming right up! Don't the desserts look yummy?

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  7. P.S. thank you for your reply on my blog I add some pictures to let you see that I use nails for swing open the windows and doors!

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