Libraries of books... or book libraries...

We've been looking for a suitable place for our little family to rent these past few months. Since this is going to be a mid-term dwelling, we have been rather particular about what we need and are looking for.

We've seen a few places with loads of space to for books and it has grown to be a real plus point for me to have inbuilt bookcases lining walls. I adore books, adore libraries...

The most memorable room looked like this:



Here are a few that truly inspire me:

































There's something so ethereal about being surrounded by books. Hallowed libraries. Personal collection. Mmmmm.

Clearview on side table

If you've read bijou kaleidoscope for some time, you'd know I LOVE dollhouses.

I've wanted a modern dollhouse so bad for so long... and this is what I want to do with it:



I don't want to create a "dollhouse room"... just a table with my beloved dollhouse (modern, btw, none of those Victorian stuff!).

One day... I'm eyeing the Emerson house by Brinca Dada. (The Clearview above is discontinued.) It actually hurts that it is going to cost me AUD$600 to get one sent here...



Actually, the Bennett House is kinda similar to the Clearview!

Top Gear meets Lego (kinda)

I said there would be more on Lego... this is it:

I am a fan of Top Gear (UK) and as always, when it comes to presenter James May... it's all "kinda" :)

Did you catch the special tv show where James May took it upon himself to commission almost 1,000 volunteers to build a 20-ft tall house made from Lego in Surrey, UK in mid-2009 for his BBC show Toy Stories? He used... get this... 3.3 million Lego pieces (hence the 1,000 volunteers!)

Whilst I would not want to sleep in it, having a smaller version in my garden would be all the art and sculpture I'd need! (Now! That's an idea.)

Image and more information via Modern Home Idea

The bathroom sink (working!)

Window, using translucent bricks

Highly uncomfortable bed, via Daily Mail, UK

The front door, via Top Gear

The sideboard in kitchen, complete with bread bin and chocolate bar, via Top Gear.

The washing machine (not working), via Top Gear.

The toilet roll next to toilet (not to be used... thankfully!), via Top Gear.

Lego, who donated all the Lego bricks for the project, apparently banned May from dismantling the structure upon completion. They were also apparently miffed that May did not seek their expertise and help in making this gigantic Lego-awesomeness (typical of May's absent-mindedness) because they would have chosen a method of building that would be mobile, rather than plonking on ground.

It did have to be demolished a few weeks after because the winery May chose for the location needed the land back to grow grapes for wine. I'm sure May would have been able to purchase a plot of land for that pet project of his and hence, allow the Lego house to remain till this day!

Now... about creating a mini house in my backyard as sculpture and interest... does anyone know if rainwater is bad for Lego?

Self sorting box

Isn't this idea great? Maybe not quite for washers and bolts and nuts, but maybe for nails and picture hooks for us home-makers or sewing bits for knitters.



This is the brainchild of Mr Wulf, who posted this last Jan (2010) on Craftster.org.

The top has the parts cut out in the shape for easy sorting and for interest (a large hole would work equally well).



Drawers labeled for easy removal:



But here's the smart thing: the shelves are staggered in depth!



Here's his post and a few tips to creating your own perfect sorting bin!

How cool to have your own one, painted in ubiquitous Gucci orange in gloss and sorts bobby pins and safety pins and other gizmos?? Or coloured pencils, markers, crayons and paintbrushes?