Best Book Nook Kit Accessories for Stress-Free Assembly
Like anything DIY-related, projects go smoother when you have the right tools for the job. Before starting to assemble a DIY book nook kit, take stock of what’s included in the box, and compare it to a list of specialized tools used by miniature hobbyists that make things much easier.
An Ultimate List of Book Nook Kit Accessories to Make Assembling a Breeze!
Cutting Tools
Every kit is going to require cutting to an extent. Some book nook kits come with paper requiring glueing them onto parts - necessitating straight cuts. That’s easier done with a precision cutting tool like an A4 paper trimmer/cutter. Place the paper on the mat and glide the blade to cut. Another option is to use a metal ruler and a craft knife. If you don’t have a workstation and need to protect the surfaces, consider using a self-healing cutting mat.
Once you have experience, or if you’re confident jumping into a custom book nook design, it’s cheaper to get practice using heavy cardstock on a cutting mat and a craft knife. Basswood is softer than most plywood used in kits. If you’re starting with a quality book nook kit, the parts will be laser cut, so the most you’ll have to cut will be the paper decals. Even in those kits though, a craft knife helps to separate the miniature pieces as they’re attached to a board. A smooth cut helps to snap it off cleanly without damaging the edges.
Adhesives
Tacky glue and super glue are two of the best adhesives for book nook kits. The tacky glue is best suited for anything made of paper, card, or wood. For sticking down any resin miniatures, plastics, wiring components in LED light-up book nook kits, or adding metal or gemstone embellishments, super glue sticks better.
In both instances, you’ll want a glue that’s fast drying, even if it takes a while to cure. For sticking down miniatures, a small dot is all that’s needed. For larger parts that need the glue to be spread, a set of silicone glue applicator brushes for woodworking can come in handy. Anything thin like a popsicle stick can do the same job. Glue applicators are not needed. Just helpful if you’re going to be doing a lot of woodworking, or crafting in general.
Sanding Tools
Some DIY book nook kits include sandpaper, but most do not. It’s useful for sanding the edges of pieces within kits ensuring a snug fit. For unpainted book nook kits, a light sanding of the wood is required to prep it before painting. Do check the instructions as some kits are already pre-sanded.
Other than sandpaper, you can also use a small emery board to do the same job. The tool you use is a personal preference. Some people find it easier to sand finer components with an emery board as it offers more control.
For those doing custom work with a book nook, such as starting with a laser cut blank book nook kit and adding decor such as unpainted resin miniatures, thinner tools like sanding sticks are easier to work with on plastics and metals.
Tweezers (in sets)
Tweezers help to manoeuvre miniature parts around the tiniest of spaces. For maximum ease, use a set. In book nook kits with LED lighting, the best are ESD-safe - meaning electrostatic discharge safe. There are various styles such as the classic angled tweezers, but to help hold parts in place while glue dries, a small pair of cross-locking tweezers can also act as miniature clamps.
Painting Supplies for Unpainted Book Nook Kits
Unpainted DIY book nook kits are sold blank. If you’re using one of those, you’ll need two types of brushes. A set of miniature detail brushes and some standard artist brushes for broad strokes on the larger parts. The more intricate parts are easier with brushes that have finer tips. Use acrylic paint for the wood pieces, and if adding resin miniatures, use latex paint on those parts.
Lighting (if not included in a kit)
Among the best book nook kits are light-up models as the soft ambience of the glow adds to the overall aesthetics of the bookshelf design, drawing the eye to the decor. Not all kits come with lights, and if you’re starting from scratch, including LED lights will make your design so much more attractive.
DIY book nook kits that contain lighting, include the bulbs, and wiring, but not always the shrink tubing to cover the wires. If you’re starting with a blank canvas, you’ll need a basic soldering kit, wire cutters, and a small drill bit to pierce holes for where the bulbs will go. It’s much easier to start with a DIY book nook kit with lights already supplied than it is to add lights to a kit without them.
Measuring Tools
Depending on the kit, there may be a need for a measuring tape or ruler with mm measurements. As an example, you can find book nook kits that require precise measurements of miniatures within the kit to be 20mm or 50mm from one point to another. Without a measurement tool, the placement would be left to guesswork. You can avoid that by having a ruler to hand before assembling a kit.
Stationery
A pencil is the only stationery you’ll need for book nook kits. Use a pencil to mark a straight line or points for paper cuts to be made. It's easier to make accurate cuts when you mark the reverse side of the paper with pencil.
In Conclusion
Any DIY book nook kit you are interested in building or gifting to someone, have a look at what’s included in the kit. The majority of kits do not include everything needed for assembly. If gifting a bookshelf insert in kit form, it’s going to be a more enjoyable experience with all the tools included - if not in the kit itself, then within the gift as a whole.