Stunning Star Wars, Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings book nook shelf inserts made by Leeds artist

Book nooks - a little shelf insert that goes between books - offer the chance to do just that, if only for a moment.

They have only grown in popularity since appearing online in the past couple of years, as Leeds artist Bunty May Marshall knows all too well.

She uses her skills as a sculptor to create these glimpses into a parallel universe - from Harry Potter's Diagon Alley, to scenes from the Star Wars films.

A friend got in touch with Bunty, 34, during lockdown to ask if she would make her a book nook.

"I was not entirely sure what a book nook was until I was shown some that had been made by other artists," she said. "It was a very new and very niche art form but suited my skill set very well.

"After researching these miniature little worlds, I totally fell in love with the idea. They are tiny little hand crafted dioramas that fit neatly in your bookshelf.

"My first book nook depicted a fictional 'Ye Olde street scene' similar to The Shambles in York.

"The tiny windows and lamp posts illuminated the street and created a charming little world that looked so inviting."

Bunty has been making bespoke sculptures for a while, primarily made from paper, card and miniature lights, but orders for book nooks specifically have been increasing.

Other commissions so far have included a Peter Pan themed Never Never Land, an Edinburgh skyline and a corridor from the seventies horror classic Suspiria.

Bunty added: "It takes a lot of patience and a very steady hand but I have so much fun with each and every one - primarily because they are so personal to each customer.

"I hide tiny details like miniature posters, or a book, or photographs of their loved ones in each piece.

"Some of the pieces include sound chips that play film scores or analogue music boxes that play music relevant to the piece.

"One even included a miniature fan which fluttered a curtain, this was integral to the movie scene on which it was based."

A personal favourite of Bunty's was a balcony view over St Ives harbour in Cornwall, commissioned by a Canadian couple who got stranded their during the first lockdown.

Bunty added: "These pieces are often commissioned by folk who want to gift them to their partners, and hearing feedback once they have been received is by far the best part of the process.

"I feel so honoured to be invited into peoples cherished memories and it's so nice to be a part of these in some small way. "

The artist recently raised £3,000 for food bank charity The Trussell Trust by auctioning of a mini-sculpture of the Brudenell Social Club.