Fairy Bench in 1/12th scale

Working with the random and irregular shapes of driftwood and natural forms tends to dictate the outcome no matter what the initial vision is.

I sat down at my workbench intent on creating a Fairy Miniature Three Seater Sofa. I had already created a chair and a little side table in 1/12th scale, and the natural choice was always going to be something that could join these previous creations.

I raked through my growing collection of small driftwood pieces, this always takes far longer than it should do because I find myself admiring the sheer beauty of each piece as I examine it for suitability for the project at hand.

Driftwood Miniature Fairy Bench

The top rail that I used for the back of the bench has an interesting shape and it has a slight curve as well as being the correct length.
This would form the basis for the design, as I had already, by then, decided on letting the design grow organically.

I created the back of the bench and initially it looked like the start of a headboard for a bed. The top and bottom rails are connected using wooden barbecue skewers.
I went for this option because I needed to create some structural regularity at this point so that the rest of the bench would maintain a uniform functionality.
I have this notion that a piece should always look capable of performing the task for which it was designed - For when the Fairies come calling.

I drilled corresponding holes in the top and bottom rails to accept the wooden skewers, and these were glued into place with PVA.
I then carefully selected the two uprights that form the side structures and the back legs and glued it all together. I tend to use a superglue to create the initial bond and hold it all together. I then push a 2 part adhesive into the joints to help build strength.

The seat and the back panel are natural pieces of Ash bark.
I have, so far, resisted the temptation to adorn my Fairy Furniture with moss or sparkly things, not that I think there is anything wrong with that. My own preference is to collect small fresh flowers from the garden or on a walk, like daisies or buttercups or maybe a few bluebell heads and lay these on or around the furniture.
That way things can be chosen to suit the seasons, and, for me, keeps it living.