DIY Clay Mini

Find a sample of the item you want to reproduce in mini form. For example, if you want to make mini carrots, use a real carrot for your model. At the very least, find a good color photograph of the item to work from. You need a picture that shows not only the shape but also the color.

Choose the same color of polymer clay as the dominant color in your model. That way you do not have to paint the entire object, only the details.

Remove some polymer clay from the packaging. Try to judge how much your item will need. Work the clay between your fingers and knead it on a flat surface to mix it well.

Form the basic shape of the mini item. If you are making multiples of the same item, such as grapes, make as many basic forms as you want mini items. If the mini is round, roll the clay between your palms to form a ball. If it is flat, press it on the table.

Modify the basic shape further with a craft knife, sculpting tools, straight pin or dental tool. For example, cut away excess clay with the knife, or make indentations with a pin. Use your fingernails as well.

Rest your mini item every few minutes to keep the clay from becoming too warm and sticking to your fingers. Dust your fingers with a little cornstarch if needed to keep them from sticking to the clay.

Refine the shape of the mini into its finished form. Spend a lot of time on this step. Whatever shape you end with now will be permanent. Tweak the mini sculpture with your tools and smooth the finish with your fingers. Do not leave any fingerprints in the clay. Add as many details as possible to make the mini a good likeness of the model.

Make components of your mini item separately and press them gently onto the main part. Use another color for the components if necessary. For example, make the stems of fruit separately out of brown clay, or the leaves out of green clay, before attaching them to the fruit.

Bake the clay mini in your household oven according to the directions on the clay package. Each brand is different, so read the label directions carefully. Let the clay minis cool after baking.

Paint your clay minis with acrylic paint using a small, soft paintbrush. Follow the color scheme of your model closely to make the minis look as realistic as possible.