I wrapped up work on the miniature bakery project this week by starting on the checkout counter, a long, low case with lots of display space. I wanted to feature sweets that were pre-packaged or otherwise ready for a customer to carryout with little fuss: things like candy bars, loose candies that can be scooped into baggies, party supplies, and boxed-up donuts and cookies.

Yesterday, I finished a set of chocolate bars wrapped in a pairing of kraft paper and a rainbow of colors, a bowl of tissue wrapped candies, and a tray of ice cream cones dipped in white chocolate and rainbow sprinkles.

Miniature shop counter by The Mouse Market

I’m going to experiment with making paper ice cream cups in different paper patterns for the display compartment over the cones, so if customers are buying, say, a gallon of ice cream, they can go home with pretty cups or cones for their party.

In another compartment I want to have boxes of donuts and cupcakes, and I might make a display of cupcake toppers that customers can buy for their home parties. For the top of the counter, I’ll have already-packaged candies, sugar cookies, and two trays of hard candies that can be scooped up and packaged.

Miniature shop counter by The Mouse Market

I’m keeping a running list of things that I’ll need to buy, but for now, I know I’ll need a cash register, and I might also buy a scale if I can find one I like for weighing the candies. On the counter I’ll display a little holder with business cards and a stack of tissue ready for packaging orders, and on the wall directly behind the counter, I’m thinking of hanging a few hooks: one with takeout bags, one with a spool of ribbon, and another with a pair of scissors.

As I build the miniature bakery, I’m writing a new tutorial book outlining how to make each and every part of the bakery, including all of the sweets. Want to get an email once the book is available? Sign up for my mailing list here.