The magical world of miniature Queenslanders

In celebration of Queensland architecture and the State Library’s amazing Bulit Heritage collection. We embarked on another series of our very popular Queensland Architecture in Miniature workshop with a fresh group of creators joining us to craft their own miniature book nooks. Over the course of four weeks, this group came together to expand their skills in the world of fabrication and miniature. 

Our workshop welcomed a range of attendees, many of whom had an interest in architecture, and wanted to expand their skills and learn more about laser cutters. We even welcomed a few participants who travelled down from the sunny coast to indulge their passion for all things miniature. 

Our participants began their miniature journey by learning about Inkscape, a free open-source vector design program that is available at The Edge in the Digital Media Lab. This first session had them dive into the archives of the State Library collection, tracing elements of Queensland architecture, such as doors, windows, breezeways, fretwork and more, all sourced from the 99 Everday Homes for Queenslanders book found within the library’s collection. 

Session two had our participants undertake a laser cutter induction to turn their vector designs into tangible creations. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills they were able to bring their architectural visions to life using laser cutters to cut and etch their designs onto plywood. During these sessions, attendees began to alter the original book nook by adding their own unique details, such as extended patios, intricate engravings on the walls and floor and even a bay window. 

The final two sessions were dedicated to artistic creation, where the focus was all about painting, assembling and decorating the book nooks. It is here within these final sessions where the nooks started to take shape and our attendee's visions came to life.

Come along and check out some of these amazing book nooks in person at a showcase in December of this year and explore what the Open Lab has to offer. 

If you want to utilise our laser cutters for your own projects or attend one of our creative workshops, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Edge eNews, to receive updates on upcoming workshops and Open Lab sessions. 

Loved looking at these mini Queenslander book nooks. Take a look back on previous versions of these workshops to indulge in more “miniature-ness”. 

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/queensland-architecture-miniature-part-1

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/queensland-architecture-miniature-finale

https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/blog/architecture-miniature-using-collection

And if you want even more architecture content, check out the current exhibition at State Library, https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/purposebuilt