Hot off the press: two new MONUmini models

It was just yesterday that I wrote about the excellent miniature Scottish tenement building models that you can make yourself. And by chance, today, into my inbox popped a newsletter from MONUmini design collaborators, Another Studio – announcing two brand new architectural models.

Berlin's Brandeburg Gate and the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris are they, and as the website also depicts the lovely packaging, I thought I'd do a quick post to share.

As the makers explain: "The kit includes a sheet of etched stainless steel pieces which fold and lock together to create the miniature structure. Each kit also includes step-by-step assembly instructions and a short building history which is all packed into an attractive envelope making them a great little (easy-to-post!) souvenir." Nice. They are £15.50 each, from Another Studio.

I also hadn't seen their super-cute Matchcarden range, above, which features tiny buildings illustrated on matchboxes. You pull out the matchbox drawer and slot the two bits of box together to create a front garden that, thanks to the enclosed seeds, sprouts cress.

These are just £3.95 each (or £11.85 for a trio) and they do a 'city' range, above, and a 'village' set, below. 

If you are in the market for a bespoke corporate invitation, or are lining up any kind of event where you can splash cash on the invites (500-1000 minimum), their made-to-order options are also rather striking.

Scottish tenement block architectural models

Architecture geeks, or just fans of fine looking buildings in miniature, may already know about the popular MONUmini series by the Glasgow-based Finch & Fouracre, in collaboration with Another Studio. If not, these were the beautifully executed stainless steel make-it-yourself models of London monuments including the Barbican, Tower Bridge and Battersea Power station.

But if you were thinking how irritating it is that London gets so much press (it does, it is, and I live here!) you might like the company's gorgeous miniature Scottish tenement blocks.

The Scottish tenement model kit is available in red or blonde sandstone. It comes with pre-cut card pieces and windows, timber chimneys, instructions, and glue. When finished, the model stands at about 17cm high and costs £19.50. You can buy it from Bouf.

Or you might prefer the Edinburgh old town model kit, £24.50, which is their newest Scottish building addition and is modelled on the 16th and 17th century buildings found around the High Street and Grassmarket in Edinburgh. When built, it stands at 20cm high.

They also sell really little versions, called Tinyment, which measure just 6cm high when constructed, and cost £22 a-piece.

But my favourite model is the teeny tiny ice-cream van, £9.50. Isn't it cute?