GSL Cuts: European Alley Book Nook

Friday, March 20, 2020

European Alley Book Nook

Hey, everyone! Connie here with a project that uses a brand new piece from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts – a GSL Book Nook Box Large .

The nook is very simple to assemble with tacky glue, it's basically an open front box. Since it's just 4 inches wide when assembled, I decorated all of the surfaces before gluing it together, starting with the walls. I chose some lovely muted Idea-Ology papers from Tim Holtz.

For the street, I knew I wanted to play with one of the GSL Cobblestone stencils. Before using it, I sprayed both sides with spray shellac. I was very careful not to stencil over the assembly tabs so I blocked those with painter's tape. I also knew I would have a set of wooden stairs at the back of the alley so blocked off the spot those would be glued down as well.

I used Tim Holtz Matte Texture Paste for the stones. This was my first time using both a stencil and texture paste and I found it super easy.

And satisfying! I just lifted the stencil and painter's tape off while the paste was still wet, ran the stencil under water and it's ready for my next cobblestone project. I let this dry overnight then painted the stones.

The ceiling was covered with a neutral paper. The stairs were made from one inch wooden blocks and lengths of wooden dowels glued together.

The GSL Windows with Shutters 1 to 24 come with shutters whose sections are easily assembled with tacky glue.

The GSL 4 Panel Door 1 to 24 is assembled in a similar fashion. It also comes with a door jamb.

I painted the shutters in a mustard yellow and the window in an off white. I glued a piece of tissue paper behind the windows and added a corgi saying hi.

The GSL Planter Box with Trellis 1 to 24 assembled easily. I added a small section of dry foam to hold the tiny blossoms. I painted a few sections of GSL Laser Cut Miniature Ivy available over at Alpha Stamps.

So cute when everything is assembled!

Here are the wall sections finished and ready for assembly. I used a GSL Rustic Door 1 to 24 on this wall as well as a bit of the miniature ivy. The medallion is molded bit of paper clay. There is a kitty asleep in one of the GSL Decorative Windows 1 to 12 and some pretty banners hanging from them. The one on the right is the EU flag.

The back wall has two more of the 1 to 24 windows as well as a Balcony 1:24 Scale. Someone left a gift hanging from the doorknob, a bag of wine and bread.

The right wall got the corgi windows, trellis boxes and another one of the rustic doors.

Here's how I made those rustic doorknobs. I took paper fasteners and painted them with black nail polish. Once dry, I cut the fastener head off and glued it in place.