I'm going to do some posts showing how to make things, sharing a few techniques and other bits and bobs along the way. It's all things I've learned which help with the realism in the models. I'm not claiming anything as original or unique - I think most miniaturists will have a toolbox filled with cocktail sticks, pins, needles and a toothbrush or two!
Scones are easy to make and lovely to eat. The top tip I learnt when making them is to use buttermilk as this reacts with the bicarbonate of soda and makes them light, fluffy and rise in the oven. You don't have to buy buttermilk just adding vinegar or lemon to milk and leaving it for a few minutes has the same effect. But I'm on a healthy eating/lets lose some weight diet and scones aren't going to be on the menu any time soon so I'll make them in mini instead.
1. Make a scone coloured mix made from equal amounts of translucent and white with a bit of tan and ochre to make a cooked scone colour. Add some black micro beads and mix in well. Roll through a pasta machine at the widest setting.
2. Fold the clay over to double the thickness and cut out small circles of clay. How big you make the scones is entirely up to you. There are small one bite afternoon tea type scones to the larger more substantial ones.
3. Squash the clay a little and texture using a toothbrush and needle.
4. Use pastels to add the cooked top effect. I use ochre, brown and reddish brown in varying amounts. Try not to make them look the same or too perfect - real life isn't like that and I prefer a home cooked look rather than something manufactured.
5. Cook the scones as per the lay packet instructions and place on a plate.
