22 July 2021
|
Polymer clay miniature fruit and vegetable board by Candida Maritato
Get to know another marvellous maker, Candida Maritato, who primarily creates miniature foods using polymer clay.
Candida Maritato
How long have you been making miniatures?
I've been making miniatures since around 2017. I've always loved miniatures since I was little. I’m a collector of dolls and from there I came up with the idea of making something in miniature for my dolls. After starting off making a very bad cake, I slowly tried to perfect my skills in each of my creations, without ever getting discouraged. I’m self-taught and haven’t performed any modelling or artistic courses. I just call it passion.
What kind of miniatures do you make and why these in particular?
I mainly make realistic miniature foods in polymer clay – sometimes I also create flowers or plants. I sometimes work with wood but only to make tables and cutting boards for displaying the food. When I create anything, for example the preparation of a dessert, I really like to add their ingredients and create them to the point it looks realistic.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get most of my inspiration from real foods. For example, when creating an apple cut in half, I take the details from a real apple. I do the same with a lemon, an egg, a slice of cake, etc.
Explore the wonderful world of miniatures with Dolls House & Miniature Scene magazine, packed with all the inspiration, projects, techniques and advice you need. Plus all the latest news and trends. Check out the print and digital subscription offers today!
Tell us how you create your work…
My miniature works are created in polymer clay, and then modelled with the help of tools such as cutters, pointed accessories such as a burin, a magnifying glass when needed and brushes and polychrome chalks to be able to blend my miniatures and make them realistic. I love working with Fimo – the polymer clay I use – as its consistency makes it suitable to be transformed into any shape. Once the desired shape is obtained, I cook it in my electric oven.
Where do you make your miniatures?
I have a small room all to myself where I create the miniatures – I call it my mini workshop. I settle down at a table where I keep everything easily available. On one side I have tools, brushes and paints, next to a box where I keep all my Fimo blocks and next to that a lamp that helps me work better.
Do you have any advice for anyone who might be thinking of delving into the world of polymer clay and miniature food?
Never say you can't do it – you always have to try in life. I was one of those who said that they could never make miniatures but with a lot of patience and above all love, in creating them slowly I succeeded!
“At the end of every miniature piece, I always say to myself – even if I still have a lot to learn, I feel satisfied!”
What do you do with the miniatures you make?
I’m a collector of miniatures so once a miniature project is finished I keep them in a single cabinet, or they’re used for dollhouses, cribs and knick-knacks. I hope to improve more and more, and then open a shop dedicated to my miniatures. But for the moment this just remains my passion.
Find out more
Instagram: @candyminatures
Facebook: facebook.com/CandyMarketHandmadeMiniatures
Have a go at making your own miniature marvels… these miniature strawberry cupcakes using polymer clay are a real delight, or test your skills with this miniature bagels tutorial.
