Video ready for the Brimbles Mercantile by Greenleaf

I finally got the video uploaded for BB Sweets, my Brimble's Mercantile candy shop and bakery. I took a lot of photos, with three different cameras, in both natural light and artificial. The result of that was several hundred detailed photos to edit and select for final video insertion. I was a little overwhelmed, so I picked the best that I could and threw together this video.

I also documented the entire build from start to finish. I like to do a separate video for the builds, since there are so many photos involved. I personally don't care for videos over 5 minutes, so I try not to create them either. I like to make a "build" video in case anyone gets stuck doing the same kit, they can pause the video and hopefully it will help them out.

So for now, please enjoy the interior and exterior video of the finished product and imagine yourself in a sweet and yummy place to feel like a kid again!!

Thanks for visiting!

 ~ Mini-Shack

My Brimble's Mercantile by Greenleaf aka "BB Sweets"

My sweet shop is finally done. Lovingly named BB Sweets with my grandson in mind, who calls me BB.  I didn't keep track of build time because I paused a few times while working on this. This was made from a kit by Greenleaf called the Brimble's Mercantile. I've been thinking of a bakery for several years, so to get to the end and have this completed is a real joy. I spent many nights in front of the TV rolling tiny candy, making tiny cupcakes and cakes, making boxes with labels and filling tiny jars full of colorful treats. As you can see it's very detailed on the inside, but the exterior was time consuming as well. 

 

Brimble's Mercantile by Greenleaf

 

I always imagined my bakery with a striped awning on the front. I was able to use the wood roof structure that comes with the kit because of it's shape, all I had to do was add the hanging tabs. They're actually snipped off tongue depressors, and the measurements worked out in my favor because the stripes lined up almost perfectly.

The siding was measured, cut, and glued on one strip at a time. The shingles were cut and painted, then applied one by one (no fun around the dormers!). The structure sits on plywood that is extended on both ends. I used this space to create extra patio area, with faux brick on the front and stone in the back. I used Paperclay for both ends. 

The major endeavor was the exterior staircase. The original kit intends for the stairs to be on the inside. I didn't care for this idea because it took up a lot of space, both downstairs and upstairs. I sealed the two windows off downstairs as well, I needed the wall space. I moved the staircase to the back of the building, and was able to keep it the same shape with the upper landing close to the upstairs window. I made the window into a door and then built a landing with railings. Made a few adjustments on the bottom level and it lined up pretty well.

Once I can grab the perfect sunlight hitting the bakery I'll post proper interior detailed photos, and create the video. I'm finding that flash photography doesn't do this justice. 

Getting excited about my next project, The Mint Julep!

Thanks for visiting!

~ Mini-Shack

The Mint Julep by Walmer/Lilliput

After receiving this kit in the mail, I have thought about it pretty much every day, non-stop. I guess it's screaming for me to start this one next! I was exploring options to make it as beautiful as possible and came across a listing on eBay for a wing addition. The listing was from the same seller I bought the house from, who is also in the same Facebook group as me. I wasn't sure if it would fit my house so I started researching which model wing additions are compatible, and figured out there are 2 styles - a gable roof and a flat roof. I sent the seller a message on Facebook and she was kind enough to look though her inventory of kits. She was able to locate not one - but two - gable style wing additions. I would have preferred the flat roof addition, but there is probably a zero chance of finding two for sale. These houses are older and the companies are out of business. We made the arrangements and she shipped them right out to me. I am very excited to get started - but I need to quickly build a small house for a Christmas present for a relative. Which will probably be the Ashley or the Buttercup.

Here is a stock photo of the Mint Julep and the wing addition (can be left or right):

I'm not sure of the measurements yet, but I'm preparing for this to be a fairly large house. I really want to make it beautiful, with it's own base with landscaping. I'm going to need to take a trip to Lowes and get some plywood!

Progress picture to come.....I am currently waiting on a shipment in the mail of some corner trim that I desperately need to finish my Brimble's Mercantile. I ran out, and the roof shingles look horrible in the corners so I absolutely must cover those up. It'll enhance the overall look too, so it's a win-win. It is the only thing holding up my photo session. I don't dare post any pics with those ugly corners LOL. There will be a full post soon however on the Brimble's - aka "BB Sweets".

Thanks for visiting!

~ Mini-Shack