The Alchemists Lab: A Miniature Diorama and Collab!

[@RavensMinis]

Thanks so much for collaborating with me!! Buttons everywhere!!! You nailed the prompt! That main image you used is so spot on to what you made! I still can't believe how well our projects go together. The jars are just genius! Everything together looks just AMAZING!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I had a blast my friend! Your prompt idea was so fun to work with!!💖💖 It's hilarious how similar they start out with the textured walls! I can't wait to try your texture paste recipe! So glad you liked my build!😊

[@RavensMinis]

please let me know how you find the texture paste. Try it as a smooth paste too, it's so silky! And your projects will smell nice if you use talc powder :D

[@jojosmumdorothy2829]

Great collaboration girls xx

[@MRLoveARTdraws]

Jazza did a great job by gifting us this channel thats just so amazing

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you😊 I am so glad you guys are still enjoying my content!

[@Chill1332]

"He's just a normal guy trying to make some gold." For some reason that just makes me love the old guy! When you started out painting the room I couldn't help thinking "that is a LOT of yellow, Ara..." But the instant you added those dark brown shelves the color combo is PERFECT. This room ended up looking super neat. I love it.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I do see him as a really sweet old soul! ;) Just looking for some secret gold recipes... haha! I am so glad you liked the room! Yes the yellow was super over whelming and I was just hoping the light tan I put over it was enough to tone it down lol!! Phew!🤣

[@miippi]

The yellow makes quite a lot of sense, as in the middle ages, when making gold was more of a thing, a lot of houses were painted with what was available in Europe. And what was available was ochre. That's why a lot of reconstructed churches and buildings are yellow on the inside. Red ochre would have been too dark to use as the main colour on the walls, and you couldn't just have bare walls, especially in a place like a church. Then red ochre was used to paint decorations on the walls. I didn't know about this, until a church from 1500's was reconstructed and was re-painted according to the original manuscript from the church itself. The church happens to be one where my cousin was baptised and later got married there. And it's painted with yellow ochre, dug from the grounds of the church.

[@angelay1925]

Your 'distiller' is called an Alembic though distilling is exactly what it does 😊

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh thank you! I will look that up!

[@aerial_silks_hoop]

I know that from playing Skyrim

[@58Kym]

That brings back my earliest happy memory of sitting on my nana’s carpet near the dining table sorting buttons. My nana used to cut them off any item of clothing that any of her 8 children or 28 grandchildrens and save them in big glass canning bottles. She let me sort them into piles whenever my family were visiting at least 55-56 years ago. I don’t know if any of the others were allowed because I only ever did it by myself. I used to love the glass ones best.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's a beautiful memory! There were some really beautiful buttons out there... like many works of art you can wear ;) The button jar that was off limits was my grandmothers collection in her original jar 💖 My sister inherited it and its one of her prized possesions!

[@58Kym]

Bentley House Minis that is really special, that jar, i am so glad she has it.

[@Marialla.]

I love this alchemist and his room! It feels very inspirational, like a story NEEDS to be written about him and all the things he is brewing! If you ever want to revisit him, all he is missing is a familiar. I'd be so interested to see what animal you might choose, and what activity they would be up to!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Interesting idea! I am looking for a cat for the Captains Quarters so I will look for an animal for the Alchemist as well!

[@wonderwend]

I love how the prompt and theme pushed you out of your comfort zone. Great idea and great video

[@kathleenlee3785]

I went over to watch Darkest Raven Designs. Another wonderful artist. Thankyou so much for recommending her.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Wonderful! I knew you guys would love her!

[@hazeljanehopkins5652]

Absolutely fantastic video Ara! Two words, alchemy and buttons, and you produce a wonderful diorama. I’m blown away by your skills. Now I’m away to Chantals to see what she’s done! Thank you for this!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much 😀 I was so surprised the two worked together so well! It was a blast to make!💖

[@spg35fem]

I love how you sorted through the jars of buttons. It reminded me that I have a couple of old cookie tins that are full of my grandma's buttons. My mom gave them to me about 10 years ago. Gramma saved the buttons off of everything. I can remember her telling me not to lose them because they're hard to come by. I'll have to dig them out of storage so I can look at them again. 🥰

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Buttons have such a special nostalgia associated with them!! And they are fun just to look through💖😊

[@christinenalle8810]

I was raised by my Grandmother and have some Very old buttons. I framed a piece of pale teal cross-stitch fabric and mounted my favorites by just sewing them through the mat board base using a tiny awl to make the holes or tiny rectangles for the shafts. Those tins were the famous “button box” and Great-grandmother’s, Auntie’s, Mama’s button boxes were passed down........ Miss Lady Chris

[@kevincoon1809]

I have to say this is my favorite thing you've made. I mean everything is great but this is awesome. Only thing it's missing is some LEDs lighting up mixtures. The little dude you made is perfect for the room. Really like this one

[@theolguins2843]

I'm loving these smaller projects Ara, this turned out incredible! The walls look amazing!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! They are fun to do in between some of my larger monster projects!! I have a few more planned coming up in the few months or so! ;)

[@anastasiasholeinthehollerc8697]

This is incredibly cool, I would love to see you do more of these small dioramas. You have a gift and real talent and I love watching you pull these miniature, magical places together. HUGS!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you very much! I have a few more of these all-in-one projects planned in the future ;) So glad you enjoyed it!

[@TNWaltz1983]

Ara, I’m not a miniaturist (but I want to be!). I am inspired by your skill and your heart for others. ❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You can do it! There is never a better time than now to give it a try ;) Thank you so much💖

[@tinykeyholeminis]

This was amazingly pleasing to watch as I have an obsessive urge to create miniatures out of buttons. I love how you used your 50 buttons and completely obsessed with that collection..😮 I almost explooded! . I really love how the spackle gives the room a Tuscan vibe. I'm gonna have to remember this.The alchemist, as simple as he was made, came out as good as any sculpt. I wish I could just make simple dolls..😅 the grass is seldomly greener.😂❤

[@ceewood3358]

Simply Amazing! I LOVE to see what dolls LIVE in miniature scenes...Great job!

[@ImperialKneazle]

Definitely one of your best makes. Absolutely brilliant in fact - the room looks amazing, the decorations very clever indeed. Your figure is one of your best and the whole scene is completely cohesive as a whole. Very will done indeed.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Wow, thank you! I appreciate that💖 I will have to try making some of my own figures more often😉

[@dawsie]

WOW your Sisters collection is out of this world 😹😹😹 I have been collecting buttons myself since I was 6 years old 😹😹😹many of them are packed away at the moment so I will be pleased when I get them unpacked one day 😹😹I love your project it’s stunning 😊

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

She definitely has a passion! I hope you can get them unpacked soon... they are just fun to look at even if you don't craft with them! lol!

[@dawsie]

Bentley House Minis 😹😹that’s so very true some of my buttons are almost 200 years old so they will never be used on a garment but I am looking at making a picture using just buttons so my old buttons can be used in the picture and that way stay safe 😹😹😹]

[@karenyoung9866]

Buttons, Alchemy and add Magic to this project. Just a wonderful roombox.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much!!💖

[@emschrader418]

I love the alchemist. First he looked like E.T., then an alien. Fantastic work.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha thank you! I agree... I was a little worried for a bit😄

[@DaturaHellebore]

This is such an inspiration! I will be implementing the buttons into my Dark Fairy Dollhouse! TFS!

[@peachesthesordid8619]

I love this so much. The little jars are my favorite.

[@taduh7923]

I love how you image your doll/miniature in the space while you're creating it. I'm really happy I stumbled on your channel, seriously awesome!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much and welcome!

[@queencityminis]

I adore this project! I love watching (and rewatching) your videos.

[@barbaraness4507]

Wow! Another wonderful success! I really love this scene! It’s so easy to imagine the alchemist making and planning all sorts of things. Love it!!🥰. Take care and thanks for such a great diversion during these trying times.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@jorgecp8651]

I never thought that so many buttons would give so much play!

[@katyoung_Katzillah]

I am in total awe, over your creativity and talents!! This miniature room is amazing, I absolutely loved watching the elements unfold. 🎉😻👏🏻

[@coleenknickelbein8063]

Glad to have found this channel! LOVE the jars :) I followed Heather's youtube channel and am sad to see no new vids. Hearing you mention that you've been in contact with her reassures me that she's still out there and ok. Great build btw!!

[@dmmomma]

Out of all the posts I follow, yours is one of the ones I look forward to the most!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you my friend! That means a lot to me!

[@magda23792]

it was because of Jazza that i found your channel and fell in love with miniatures. :D

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That's so wonderful! Thank you again for coming over and being a part of my channel too!

[@magda23792]

Bentley House Minis of course. I love your videos and your personality😊

[@darnelleechols8556]

Thanks for this fun video. The button adornments were a novel touch. Very clever idea. They added so much drama and detail. I enjoyed every moment of the process. This was so much fun! Stay safe. ❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Darnelle! I am so glad you enjoyed the video and the process. You stay safe as well my friend!

[@creatrixcorvusarts876]

I love the idea of using paintings as inspiration! Thanks for the new channel to follow too!! Your collabs with other artists always come out fantastically!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks so much 😊 I love collabs because they push me to make something I wouldn't have otherwise thought of making!

[@miippi]

This is absolutely stunning. The oven/ stove is called a hearth. It's the "heart" of the home. In modern times it would be referred as a masonry oven. In Finnish it's called "baking oven" (leivinuuni). It was used to warm your home and bake bread at the same time. It would stay warm long, so you could also make sourmilk on top of it, as it would keep the milk warm enough to ferment.

[@jojosmumdorothy2829]

I love re watching your older videos this is 1 of my favourite your such a clever girl x

[@DRN]

Love the way the buttens just like fits into the place! Cool idea for a collab

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊 It was so fun to find places for each one!

[@nessiemonstercrafts]

Those jars are cool! I need to make some now lol. Chantal is an amazing artist with her creations, I ADORE her matchbox series, it's what drew me to her channel in the first place.

[@LuccaAce]

Oh my goodness, Ara! I love everything about this tutorial. The button sounds were great, thanks for leaving them in. There's something magical about the sound of buttons. (or maybe that's just me). The room looks fantastic. The alchemist is so great. Seriously, I love everything about this. While I do love your more detailed tutorials, seeing the whole thing come together in one video was really satisfying as well.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! I loved the button sounds too as I was sorting so I just knew I had to leave them in lol! I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@7spiritualcompass706]

Wow. How ironic. I study the language of Alchemy and symbolism. You did a marvelous, fabulous job, Ara! ♥️👍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

So cool! You guys always have so much knowledge and teach me so much in the end... I need to start broadcasting "I am doing a project on ________. Who knows about this subject?" lol! I am so glad you liked the project!

[@maryf7230]

Love all the little add on's and the straws with wires work out great. Your beams turned out so good. I am a stagehand and in my world we call it "Truss". We use it to hang lights, sets and just about everything. They are bolted together in shorter lengths to make as long as you need. So add some bolts, looks real. Also, I am a Ham Raido operator and the Truss is used for the base of antennas Vertical mount. If you mount your truss from the floor there are square base mounts we use. Ya can Look up on line some lighting riggs to get some idea how they look. Keep up the great work Mary

[@morenaarcangeli3855]

Come sempre sei bravissima...bella l'idea di usare i bottoni. Ciao. 👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🤗

[@marciacrabtree55]

Wow, just about everything you made will be perfect for my southwestern theme!

[@lindawood8764]

This is amazing. I am a Darkest Raven fan as well.❤

[@CynLuvsRylie]

You are soo amazingly talented!! I lost my words at the end result. I am just learning so much from watching you plus you Crack me up and I love you little sweetheart Stormi. No contact hug 💚💜

[@lindavick9012]

love your video tutorials. I've learned more from them than from three years of classes. the ideas are stupendous, and leave lots of room for imagination.

[@tammythomas3745]

I have watched this video twice now and love it! Great Job!

[@GingerLolaMiniatures]

The button noises was very cool :) I got lucky at a garage sale last year, found a big tin of various buttons for $2 :) Awesome work and video!!!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

That is awesome! Great deal! Thank you!

[@aerial_silks_hoop]

I LOVE your alchemist. His outfit is genius.

[@abandonedpast6410]

This was absolutely incredible!! Using some inexpensive items and making a masterpiece!! Great job!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! I love making minis from items that are easily accessible and cheap!

[@georgecunningham9175]

Your imagination boggles my mind! I have used buttons (as well as a slew of "tiny" parts) to create accessories for decades....................and I have never used one as you have! This was a wonderful challenge, and your result was amazing. Thank you for the FaceBook "plug" (though I personally don't use FB) - another manifestation of your caring and sharing personality.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you George! I had a blast trying to figure out ways to sneak them in!! ;) It's like a button puzzle!

[@yezzyjames]

Absolutely love how this little room turned out. I love Alchemy so this was so to my liking. And buttons!!! Your sister has about as many as my mom. Now I feel like using them for some of my projects. :}

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You should def go for it (with her permission of course lol!) My sister was excited to see how I would incorporate them and I was so thankful she was so generous with her treasures! I am so glad you liked the project!💖

[@francinemiranda8409]

Really like this project, Ara! One of your very best! 🧙‍♂️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@CrixJoki]

Amazing! :D 💜 and I just love how this kind, creative mini community shares their ideas and let other ppl costomize the original creation to fit in their creations :) You guys are so inspiring :D Heather and you are a huge inspiration for me, and I think Darkest Raven Designs will be too, heading over there now! :D 💜

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

I totally agree! I am so very happy to be a member of the mini community and Heather is so amazing! I know you will enjoy Chantal's channel too!! :)

[@kathleenlee3785]

Oh I loved your project too. The buttons you chose were so gorgeous. I love buttons too.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

So glad you liked it Kathleen!

[@christinenalle8810]

This reminds me of the original “The Borrowers” movie and it’s re-make. I made both a Borrowers attic space and a within-the-wall Borrowers home area. I LOVE THE BORROWERS !!! They are such fun to make with the mix of human & 1:12 scales and the ‘borrowed’ items that make up their tiny world !

[@woodentime]

This is incredible! The walls look great!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much! Pretty easy to do as well!

[@lucyl.4356]

That is amazing !!!!! 💚💚💚💚

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you!

[@karinpellaers6897]

Thanks Ara I absolutely loved your videos and the way you used all those buttons. 👍❤️

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Glad you liked the project!! It was fun figuring out locations for them all! ;)

[@krisgangwer3796]

It helped me a great deal on how to connect the walls of the room and using the hot glue an the compound on the walls to adhere things. I am looking to make a garden shed and this really gave me some great insight. Thank you!

[@AuntieVeraCharles50]

Fantastic. As always. You're a miracle, young lady!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊

[@ClaudiaMcNeely]

Wow! I really like the way you made the man. You make it look easy. lol!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Claudia! I made him up as I went along but I was happy with the result ;) I will probably use that method again :)

[@natashapoirier4696]

I just love your work! The only thing is, this is the perfect time to do crazy eyebrows!

[@RobbinMcCrumb]

This FANTASTIC!!!! Thank you so much for sharing xoxo

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks for watching!

[@marciacrabtree55]

I have never made a dollhouse or any miniatures, but watching your videos has inspired me to do so. I am collecting supplies and plan to make a southwest, Adobe style house such that would be found in Santa Fe, NM. This particular video will be especially helpful because both the alcove you created and the wall texture are perfect for my design! Thank you.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Fantastic!! I am so glad this video will be helpful for your own project!

[@lindawalker8239]

Buttons are wonderful!

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Distiller ... Yes! Used to separate the Essential oils from herbs! Wonderful job! Amazing as always! Coincidentally ... my Steampunk Conservatory story was originally based on Alchemy, though it's more based on Apothecary, herbal magic, and "pagan" magik now, set in a steampunk post-apocalyptic environment. I have always been fascinated in that branch of the "Sciences." That Alchemist is incredible! Great job!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Yay! I got it right!👍 I should have known I could have asked you a few technical questions to back up my research lol ;) I will keep that in mind if I do something again in this direction. I enjoyed it so much so I just might!

[@dolfinmagikpro]

Always glad to help you or anyone who needs it!

[@haleyp898]

Love it. I used to have jars and jars of my grandmother's button collection, but they went missing last time I moved. I think that "oven" you started with is supposed to be a small forge.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Haley! A forge is way more fun to say as well ;)

[@sherrygibbs7547]

@@BentleyHouseMinis To go one step further: I think the structure is some type of basic fume hood, with a hot/heating plate, for manipulating various types of elements (ie a forge, distiller, for making herbal concoctions/tinctures, etc), on a smaller scale, while having the fire pit below, for larger reactions/transformations.

[@niva8043]

Wow! I love this diorama. It looks so realistic and the use of the buttons is ingenus.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Glad you like it! I appreciate it!💖

[@Wolfkins1972]

👍😀 cool roombox idea I will definitely watch her colab video too 👍

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! I am sure you will enjoy it!

[@FrancesMacaulayForde]

Absolutely fabulous and so clever. I thoroughly enjoyed everything - thank you for sharing so generously. You make it look easy when I know it's not - it takes special amounts of imagination, patience and skill. Stay safe and well - best wishes from Oz!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks so much 😊

[@TopsyDora147]

This was AMAZING!

[@bether05]

This is so good!! Love it!

[@MsAirbears]

Beautiful, you have such a great talent.The alchemist came out great.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much Erykah! I was so nervous about him but I love him now! ;)

[@barbaraness4507]

9:28 Oh but I liked the mustard color. Just kidding! That was the color of the ventihood in my parent’s 1960’s home. Of course it also had a turquoise sink and green shag carpet. 😳😬 it was a previously owned home.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Haha! Gotta love those retro colors ;)

[@denisedelvecchio466]

Pure talent ... love the results of your challenge, fabulous work.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Wow, thank you!

[@rachaelkasper5445]

This is just wonderful! I love the imagination you put into the project and the inspiration you share with it. Thank you!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Glad you enjoyed it!😊💖💖

[@debbienewton454]

What an AMAZING alchemy scene!!! I LOVE it!!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Debbie!!

[@donitaforrest9064]

So clever! So fun! So talented!!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊

[@cherolynwolf5913]

So totally awesome, I just love it.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thanks so much!

[@FrostyJava]

My word, you are so talented!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

😊 Thank you!

[@daphnet39]

So fun! Your creativity and artistry always inspires me. Someday, I might try creating a doll...maybe...perhaps...!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

You should go for it! I really wasn't sure how he would turn our bit I was happily surprised! Thank you!

[@ker9714]

I LOVE buildings that look like this! Well loved and unique. You did an amazing job!

[@foxhousecreations4869]

Ara, I use the tubes of caulking to get into those side areas where I join fire places or have large cracks to cover, you can paint over it and it's easy to use.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Great tip Rhonda! That would work great too!

[@foxhousecreations4869]

Just WOW I am so impressed!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Rhonda!

[@elenaknighton7094]

This is so very COOL! You're so talented!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much!😊💖💖

[@Shari_A._]

You are a GENIUS!

[@welchelaina]

Great job Love the chair and the pottery

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Elaina!

[@poppetangel]

This looks amazing. All of your hard work paid off. It reminded me of being allowed to play with the big jar of buttons at my nans house. There were all kinds of weird shapes and colours and I remember being fascinated by them.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

There is definitely something magical about a jar of buttons! I am so glad you enjoyed the build!

[@bernadineaustin4594]

ha ha, this is so funny. I'm working on a small Tudor cottage thus I have been spackling all week!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Oh my! I can only imagine doing an entire house! ;)

[@dianabizet4264]

Wow this is incredible❤️you never fail to amaze

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Aww thank you Diana😊

[@aiferapple1246]

Amazing!! And such an ingenious use for buttons :)

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊

[@cathyhildreth6552]

I watched both videos hers and yours. I think you did more with the item mentioned and put more thought into it.

[@carlametcalfe4342]

Amazing

[@aishwaryajoshi8105]

Wowww...it's so awsome...u can make awsome miniature with anything 😍😍😍...and thanks for round up of buttons....48 to 50...felt satisfying 😅😅😅

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you so much 😀 When I saw there were 48 I just knew I had to bump it up to a nice round 50 lol! I knew someone else would appreciate it ;)

[@aishwaryajoshi8105]

@@BentleyHouseMinis he he😉😉😉...

[@barbaraness4507]

16:38 He looks kind of mysterious and realistic! I can only hope that when I get ready to make a miniature head/face that mine will turn out as good.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Barbara! I was surprised how well he turned out... sculpting faces can be difficult!

[@patriciablue2739]

Wonderful!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Many thanks!

[@cheriwhitley8385]

Wow.lu never disappoint Ara!!! This is awesome!!!loove that floor...oh heck as normal I love everything! Lol..all the lil detail just makes it pop!!..u and darkest raven both did amazing.ll would love to see a project u both do together one day cause your style is so simular..

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Cheri!! I am so glad you liked both videos💖💖 I had so much fun with this and will def be doing another collab with Chantal in the future!

[@marykayryan7891]

Fabulous and I got so many ideas.

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 😊

[@scrapfancy]

You are very talented lady. I enjoy watching your vlogs. I made some books with your tutorial. I should say I have cut down some but have not finished. Thanks.

[@sweetscraps56]

So cute. You are so talented

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you! 🤗😊

[@TheNetymags]

This is absolutely amazing!

[@BentleyHouseMinis]

Thank you Neta!