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Spare a thought for Mikako Nishi when she was researching her chocolate shop that features on the cover this issue. She said: “I was obsessed with chocolate! I felt like a chocolatier, and was always thinking about what kinds of chocolates to make.” It meant she had the onerous task of visiting various chocolate shops with the avowed aim of ensuring everything she was making was completely authentic. Her research definitely paid off as you’ll appreciate when you see the detail in Chocolatier Le Anje. Mikako, who studied food styling before discovering doll’s houses, told us: “Creating miniatures teaches us that there is no useless experience in life.” I love that thought. Whatever your skill, passion or talent you’ll be able to use it in this wonderful hobby. And there’s so much scope for the imagination. Take Julie Beswick — she makes ‘memory chairs’ for grieving families using fabric from the neckties of loved ones. Melissa Bulifant recently made a boat house and shares the technique she developed to create the beautiful stone walls. We’ve all made books before but Kris Compas shows it’s all in the detail. Lots more ideas and projects too, plus some wonderful features including a return trip to Jackie’s magnificent château now that it is fully decorated. We think it’s a great issue and you’re in for a treat, even if it’s not covered in chocolate.