The Hobbit Book Nook [Smaug and Bilbo Edition!]

Eventually everyone makes a Lord of the Rings Book Nook, so here's my version inspired by The Hobbit, complete with a custom sculpted Smaug and Bilbo!
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Help support me make tiny, nerdy thing: / northoftheborder
Get loads up in-progress pictures: / northofthebordercraftw...
Materials Used:
Super Sculpey (medium and firm)
Fimo Professional (coloured)
Mod podge (gloss and matt)
Vallejo Paints (Game Colour)
XPS Foam
Packing Foam (random assorted of stuff I had lying about)
Vinyl Flooring
Spackle
Glitter
Flameless LED t-lights
UV Resin
00:00 - Sculpting Smaug
2:54 - Painting Smaug
5:31 - Dwarven Pillars
8:18 - Golden Hoard
10:06 - Sculpting Bilbo
10:47 - Assembly
11:38 - Lighting
12:36 - Framing
13:18 - Glamour Shot
#hobbit #smaug #booknook

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Do you like this kinda stuff? Want to see more? Consider helping the channel out on Patreon--for as little as a cup of coffee (just normal stuff, not the Copi Luwak stuff) you can make a huge difference and help this channel grow! Plus, you'll get to see how the sausage is made before the videos go live! www.patreon.com/northoftheborder

[@Maazzzo]

It's been several years since you've made a booknook. Maybe you should make a new one.

[@dorothygale9648]

You know, it's kinda fun to go back to your older videos. It makes me realize how much more polished your current ones are. Adam, you've gone past 'good enough.' You can now proudly declare yourself 'pretty decent!'

[@Epistemonto]

Indeed, I'm coming back to this one for inspiration ;] Thanks for the tips and vid!

[@TheHolm]

I just love these book nooks they're so atmospheric.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

I know, I feel like I'll be running out of bookshelf space soon...

[@TheHolm]

@@NorthoftheBorder just gotta start selling them then 😉

[@NorthoftheBorder]

@@TheHolm Well the plan this week was to get my etsy shop all set up (but, you know, "life")

[@TheHolm]

@@NorthoftheBorder I've heard about that, apparently it happens to people sometimes.

[@Binkey-Wok]

@@TheHolm lol that was a low blow

[@arleebean]

I have been so mesmerized and entertained by your content! You're making some exceptionally quality high stuff all around. :D

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks so much!

[@peternagy6847]

Until now I didn't even know what a book book was. I feel like I've been missing out on a big piece of art and crafts because this is absolutely beautiful.

[@angusmcflan]

“If you give me a paint brush I’ll mess up” proceeds to wet blend a very nice eye. Smh

[@cameronporter1552]

Yeah he really doesn’t believe in himself, it’s unnecessary he’s quite a solid painter

[@AtTheRainNight]

@@cameronporter1552 don't we know this from ourselves? We never see what we are able to do, eventough we are doing a decent job.

[@-mako-6018]

@@cameronporter1552 i'm pretty positive its just him saying that, i really doubt he actually doesnt believe in himself

[@aylaktavsan]

Once, a youtuber I was watching at that time said, "Glitter is like the herpes of crafting projects." It gets everywhere, just horrible. Amazing work by the way! I enjoy binge watching your backlog while working on my own sad crafting projects. You really inspire me!

[@thedoubleboiler6971]

Use sparingly, wear gloves and work with it in a boxed in area/ on top of thick paper (away from children) so it can be scooped back into it's container when finished. It should help keep the mess a bit more contained.

[@kellswitch]

@@thedoubleboiler6971 Glitter always finds a way...

[@marialiyubman]

Same. Lol

[@nikkimyers4467]

It truly is the herpes of crafting! Also... For cashiers who have to do things with the items... Like at Christmas..... It stays EVERYWHERE!

[@themrsev1557]

The Maze runner mid area would be a cool build, with the walls of the maze

[@thedoubleboiler6971]

My friend, let me introduce you to.....foam board. Also a tip. When painting, paint in layers. In the eye, for example, paint on the yellow layer (let dry), then the orange/ red circle (let dry) then the "line details", then the iris/ pupil. I loved the end result. I learned a few things in working with clay by watching this, as well as a few other things. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@summonedcreatures3582]

I love how sarcastic you are! Makes watching you create such amazing things even more enjoyable! Great work 👍

[@NorthoftheBorder]

I like to think of it as 'dry humor'. And thanks for watching!

[@yrtott]

Ohhhhh, you know what would be really cool. If you could find a glass-eye that is still kinda see-through(or make/paint one) and then put a light source so it would look like light is coming from Smaugs eye! (Please keep creating, this is so fun to watch together with your humour)

[@Corvidae65]

9:39 Glitter unleashed is like RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!! Your sparkly plight made me laugh but not at you, WITH you. Several years ago, I once knocked an entire box full of assorted large glitter containers from the top shelf in the basement craft room. Yes, it was a glitter tsunami and the effects of it are still being felt to this day. The only thing I was waiting for you to add was the Arkenstone as I think that's what Bilbo was searching for in Smaug's gold horde. Fantastic work!

[@ryazzarr]

Wow, those lights made all the difference in creating a sense of open space! Its as if it expands beyond the shelf. Looks so great!

[@NorthoftheBorder]

I hummed and hawed over lights, but I think they're pretty important for anything that sits on a shelf covered in books. If you can hide 'em so they're not as noticeable, alls the better.

[@brownbreakfast]

You say you’re not a painter, yet the end result is awesome

[@ceciliamatos22]

Beautiful execution and great tips. I have a suggestion-perhaps a clear resin poor to seal all that glitter would be helpful! Inspiring!

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks! The thinned mod podge actually holds it in place wonderfully once it sets (water/mod podge). The problem comes from applying the damned stuff in the first place.

[@lindahazel5075]

I just found your channel. I don't know why your subscribers are low. You're talented and have me cracking up.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks! I'm relatively new to this youtube thing, but I'm glad to see my videos are getting out to a broader audience (who want to watch them, that is), so welcome to the channel! Take your shoes off, stay a while, lots more to come!

[@TheMarionick]

The greatest artists are humble about their craft. This shows with you because you're way better at painting than you think.

[@jenhaynes9721]

The lighting really makes it look like if you turned the corner, you'd be able to see the rest of Smaug! 👍

[@magneto25]

Absolutely gorgeous...I first fell in love with the Hobbit in the first grade when the whole school had an assembly and was shown the Rankin Bass? cartoon movie. Then bought the DVD in junior high, and finally reading the book in high school...

[@mr.shutter6373]

I love Bilbo's face. His expression let's me smell his fear almost. Also I am very surprised of how the gold glitter glitter gold turned out. Neat!

[@sophietikicat]

So awesome, gave me great ideas for all my Tolkien fiend friends. Also there is a reason glitter is considered the herpes of the craft world.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

I've not heard it called herpes yet, but oh man, a more accurate comparison I can't imagine.

[@BeardedBored]

"There is something about you. Something you carry. Something made of gold, but far more *_preciousssss_* !"

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Is it made of gold _glitter?_ If so I understand Gollum's descent into madness all to well now.

[@BeardedBored]

@@NorthoftheBorder I bet:-)

[@marialiyubman]

I LOVED the dragon peering at you from inside the library and I loved the proportion to Bilbo. The whole thing is just amazing!!! (Also, glitter. 😍).

[@RoeRoe123]

Not even a Lord of the Rings kinda gal, but this is great! That dragon eye 🤗 with the resin ❤ Thanks for sharing!

[@carrie4910]

This is AWESOME! I love how the floor tile thingys worked, im a big fan of crafting with unexpected things lol. Only thing missing (for my personal taste this is) is some coloured gems among the gold, You can get little sticky backed rhinestones from discount stores usually.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

You know, I tried adding a bunch of coloured rhinestones but they were all too big--the glitter I went with was the smallest I could find so that they would be 'size' appropriate for Bilbo, and the rhinestones ended up being huuuuuge in comparison (like the size of his head). If I were to redo it, I would make more little pieces lying around to break up the gold, and I'd try and findsome wee 'gems'. Maybe I could just smash 'em up with a hammer! Ugh, something something "hindsight".

[@carrie4910]

@@NorthoftheBorder lol! Half my crafting involves me swearing at hindsight 😂 Ahh yeah head sized gems not all that convincing, my rhinestones are teeny ones, i use them as pretend rivets/bolts.

[@qrafting]

WOW the smaug sculpture is phenomenal!!!!!!!!!!

[@spiritbricks942]

“I’ve never used UV resin before.” 3 years later, this line! 😂

[@wolflower666]

the hobbit is my favorite trilogy of all time and such comfort movies for me, i also adore book nooks so damn much!! oh my goodness this is so absolutely beautiful and immersive!!

[@axemaster8331]

Out of curiosity, why do you like the movies? I read the book, and I must admit I hate the movies with a passion. Don’t worry, I won’t be mean or anything, everyone has their own opinions, I just thought it would be interesting to hear from someone who genuinely likes them.

[@wolflower666]

@@axemaster8331 i didn’t read the book so maybe that’s why? for me they just make me happy, i adore all the dwarves and i love bilbo, it is a very wholesome series, and is just comforting to me, the characters, the humor, the aesthetics, the music, it’s all so magical and enchanting ☺️✨ except the final movie when they kill all my favorite characters, we don’t talk about that part lol it neveeerrr happened, kili and tauriel are happy and so are thorin and bilbo 😤

[@axemaster8331]

@@wolflower666 I would definitely recommend reading the books. If you like the movies, the book is like 10 times better. In my opinion of course 😅 But seriously, it's definitely worth checking out.

[@nikkimyers4467]

I truly love seeing your current builds and coming back to this one where you're using the uv resin for the first time and it's wonderful to see how far you've gone! Trust me - you are an awesome painter!

[@SurrendertheCog]

I’d love to see a Gandalf with Gwaihir book nook. No one really does the eagles but they were the quintessential Deus Ex Machina that everyone forgets about!

[@alexdarko2217]

Dude I would buy/order this in a heartbeat! 😱 This is some seriously beautiful craftsmanship. Incredible art piece man. ❤️👍🏻

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thank you so much!

[@debbralehrman5957]

I'm glad I watched this again. Lighting looks so good.

[@iteeshollow]

I first read the Hobbit and the trilogy in 1965 over the summer. I used to read them every year after, then life came it was every 3-4 years. I always wished someone would make them into a movie. Finally they did, oh no its a cartoon. Now today its in digital online games. Thank you for doing this. I think i need a book nook, but alas i dont have room for one. Will try a jar or can. I wanted to make one for a long time but couldnt think what the heck i wanted in it. Froud fairies? Butterflies? Furniture of the past or future? what? It will be something from the trilogy, lol. When i was 15, i was in love with Strider.

[@lothean2099]

Loved the gold glitter aspect.

[@ivovander9375]

Glitter is the herpes of decorations....it will stay with you for ever.

[@gwendalyntaggart2242]

So sparkly

[@theawesomegoblins5986]

I love watching people make book nooks

[@Mhidraum]

I love it! Thanks for showing us the process.

[@karenmusa3052]

Oh wow..very cool. That dragon face is excellent and so effective..thanku again..

[@jacobs241]

Excellent job!!!!! The comedy is spot on.

[@Serch_YB27]

I was already a fan of the channel hadn't watched this video and saw it after seeing it shared on twitter and man , Adam wasn´t lying when he said he had converted to UV resin. It's a great built as always btw!!

[@crayonviking]

This video is going to blow up

[@deathblossomrede8624]

I don't think there's anything you could post that people wouldn't like! Everything has so much love put into it. It's inspiring

[@vikingoutdoor3179]

Would love a Harry Potter one now. You're very good at these.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks! I'll be looking to do a HP one soon, but I need to pick a good scene. I hate to do something that's been done to death

[@kathrynrobinson-burge7661]

you do yourself an injustice, your painting is fab.

[@creatingmike9164]

I love that you hand sculpted Bilbo! Glitter is both the best and the worst thing in the world lol Also, your brush painting on the eye was just fine!

[@sarahormand6091]

This is so cool! Thanks for sharing your process.

[@ChakatOfTheWind]

Beautiful and wonderful work. Had an idea while watching. Use barbie and poly pocket furniture, dishware, and jewelry painted with gold paint. This lets you add goblets and other items that look nice added to the treasure hoard. Just a thought you might want to use for later builds.

[@mj3818]

Fantastic idea & execution, I love the dragon! I hope to see more book nooks in the future! 😊

[@destin3591]

Cool project! I think a gamesworkshop bilbo minature would fit here even better!

[@labradorite6370]

Gorgeous work! Good job.

[@efetozan4909]

amazing work mate. congratz!

[@jasmine-ruff-puff9951]

These book nooks are so cool. I'd think some game themed ones would like great in between my games collection 🤔

[@FantasyForay]

Not only do you do great work on your projects, but you have a great talent for presentation. You make it fun to watch and listen to. Thanks for sharing.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks for watching!

[@bluedragonette]

This is really amazing, love it.💜

[@8pumpchai]

those scales look tedious but the end result! Incredible

[@carxandre]

man, I'm mesmerized by this work !! congratulations!

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks! It was a good bit of fun to make, and I'm already planning the next build!

[@divian22]

This looks insanely polished, well done Sir.

[@froxmere]

Absolutely brilliant! Thank you for sharing and explaining everything so newbies like me can understand. I watched this with my 10 year old granddaughter and we made one together. Not up to your standard, but we had great fun.

[@ryanrdlps]

The way that gold reflects on that resin. My god North. Well done!

[@Alayses]

Oh wow, I love this! At first I thought the glitter would look weird with that kinda yellow colour, but in the end it looked great, especially with the lights on!

[@imuneik]

excellent work! ❤😮. It turned out just awesome! 😊

[@richardcoleman1018]

This is incredible!

[@AuntieRachelsChaoticKitchen]

Hello from Leeds! I've just found your channel, and your beautiful creations are helping to distract me from my own depression flare up. Thank you for your work ❤️

[@ricardocaliman2830]

I did dioramas in my younger days... but never thought of one of these! To say I have been impressed is an understatement. Definitely going to try one now, especially after seeing how effortless it is for you .

[@NorthoftheBorder]

The beauty of editing is that I can chop out all the sections where I've broken down crying because this was supposed to be a simple process, why is it taking so long, AND WHY WON'T THIS WORK LIKE IT'S SUPPOSED TO!?

[@ricardocaliman2830]

@@NorthoftheBorder You mean, (said the noob with fear in his voice), it wasn't as seamless as you made it look !!! LOL I figure, if you're still keepin on.... it must be worth doing. Thanks again!

[@NorthoftheBorder]

@@ricardocaliman2830 Ya man, there's nothing quite like looking at something and being able to say, "I made that". Making stuff is the best.

[@hobbitblue]

This is amazing! You are so talented

[@dankrishnadasan9295]

Smaug with the lighting looks so nice!! And honestly I have new respect for glitter! Amazing once again man!

[@delshi13]

This looks so cool!!!

[@stephencoster9532]

Hiya, wonderful build! I've just finished reading the Hobbit for maybe the 30th time. I first read it as a school book at age 12 & have enjoyed it & Lord many times since. Perfect eye, full of woe for the thief & men of the lake... & 'dry humor!' Thank you...Stay safe...Steve...

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks, Steve, I'm glad you liked it!

[@robertballuumm730]

Amazing piece of work. 🙏🙏🙏

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Cheers!

[@jacenaylor9537]

It's quite cool how you said give you a paintbrush and your crap but now your really good at it? This was awesome but you can tell you've learned lots in 3yrs

[@happymicrobe8123]

Good choice with the lighting, it gives a lot of depth to the book nook. I love the Bilbo figure, he is so cute xD

[@ImperialKneazle]

Nicely done :-) Love the commentary too!

[@jamboree2723]

Smaug is fantastic, the reflection of the lights in the eye (and the fact that they are yellowish and flicker...Bilbo is cute. My favorite so far (just discovered your channel and immediately subscribed).

[@_veit7982]

This is awesome!

[@sweetbun5402]

Wow! Awesome! I have no words! Very nice!😍😍😀

[@christianbrix4311]

Awesome! Wish I had your talent

[@sashareiher]

This looks so cool, I want to make one for myself

[@geemail369]

*_Nice_* end result!

[@Dreymasmith]

That is excellent!

[@bobisu3111]

This is AWESOME.

[@Ddigzdirt]

these are awsome videos and you have endless inspiration on every bookcase👍

[@nayastill151]

This is soooo cool!!! 💥

[@s2p1i1t2h1a9r7i9]

I want it desperately!!!!!! wowwwww

[@quelarte]

I totaly think you can call yourself a painter. It doesn't matter if you have experience or theory knowledge. We can tell you feel the colors and light, that's a painter eyes! Keep doing it.

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks! I suppose as long as I'm painting, I'm a painter, after all

[@thornhedge9504]

Really Nice!

[@kelstew3]

Really nicely done, The Hobbit book is my fave

[@NorthoftheBorder]

Thanks!

[@Epic_Kingdom]

That's so cool!

[@Nat1videos]

Very cool!

[@petermerz2704]

Cool! Now I’m going to have to make a book nook!

[@tech.4264]

i think i made your exact smoug reference once in 6th grade but as a drawing

[@LordPai]

Did not think you lived in UK. This was gorgeous. Cant wait to see more. *starts binging episodes*

[@ian3314]

Caught this on reddit. Keep up the great work!

[@deborahsharpe9429]

He’s fabulous. More, More.

[@sewcat6486]

It looks really good the eye looks like it has veins

[@joannaharrison9997]

This is fantastic and I've seen nothing like it

[@sonjalockhorst2322]

Again a great video, hope to make a book nook myself One day

[@GiftPrincessBuhman]

Binge watching all the book nook videos 📚

[@NorthoftheBorder]

I've got a few ideas in the pipeline for new book nooks, so you'll be able to binge more in the future!

[@shiveringlots]

This is so awesome! I have watched few book nook videos because I like miniatures in general, but this one made me realize why it these specifically are so cool and unique :)

[@NorthoftheBorder]

They're a lot of fun to make and they add a little whimsy to a bookshelf!

[@chloerosey]

This video proves that "all that glitters IS gold" because, well, the gold is made of glitter