Tiny things and deliciously looking pieces catch our attention quickly because as part of growing up, most of us had our own fair share of playing with tiny dollhouses, and arranging their tiny furniture inside. Even though gone are the days that we can play with them just like the old times and we leave it up to our little cousins or even kids now! Who knew making fake food as an accessory or building a collection is both a hobby and a venture for miniature enthusiasts out there.
Most of the time we see food keychains at our nearest Japanese stores and in other places that mass produce tiny toys that are being imported into our country. But what sets these intricate pieces apart and special is how everything is molded with their bare hands by its artists. Not only are these miniature crafts being delivered in our country but also abroad! Who wouldn’t be proud of our local artists with that, right? That’s passion and dedication right there!
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Some people purchase it to showcase how unique of an item they have, others order in bulk to use as giveaways to parties and events and some add it to their collection.
What if we tell you that it’s not yet too late for you to start your own journey in replicating food and turning it into its miniature version? Or just by merely making things out of clay that you can pursue to jumpstart your journey to delving into this type of art? Here’s how these 2 miniature artists made it big to the miniature community in their own way.
Rhicrafts by Rhica Obien
Rhica Obien, the artist behind Rhicrafts started in 2014 when she and her husband had lost their job and thought about looking for a venture that she can do to help her husband financially while taking care of their kids. She researched and watched tons of YouTube videos and learned about the craft. She decided to sell their CD writer and use the money to jumpstart her journey in buying art materials and eventually started selling her creations.
Her designs are mostly Filipino food inspired. “When I don't see any Filipino food in a mini version, I decide to make one and sell it” Rhica says. The materials that she mainly uses are polymer clay and resin.
Rhica makes phone cases, keychains, accessories and other miniature items that are primarily constructed around Filipino food creation. Price ranges from 15php - 2400 php depending on the design and size/scale.
Ashlovesart by Elsha Rodriguez
Way back in 2016, when Elsha Rodriguez of Ashlovesart started engaging herself into adult coloring books and created a Facebook page, a tool that sparked her to share her art and destress from personal or work related matters.
At first, Elsha thought that her age might hinder her in starting her art journey, and was on the brink of losing faith. But her former head gave her hope to go for it.
Having a passion for art at a very young age added to who she is now as an artist, then the pandemic came to which she saw the opportunity to pursue art once again after being on a hiatus. Elsha learned how to paint, when somebody got interested in buying her painting, that’s when she saw a hand-made handle made of polymer clay, she did her research and eventually bought a starter kit. Having a limited amount of clay she decided to practice and make miniatures out of what she had available. When friends and workmates started buying her creations, that's when she was able to earn and save up some, for her expenses.
Most of Elsha’s orders are customized and attention to detail plays a big part. because she molds everything by her bare hands without having to use any silicone mold or cutters. The designs are inspired by food and making the clay look close to the real ones is a challenge that she takes on. Price varies depending on its design, it ranges from 180 php to 3000 php.
Just in the 2nd year of her clay art journey, Ashlovesart’s creations have reached different places in the country and even abroad. Having a supportive partner and keeping her faith in God inspires her even more to create and pursue her passion.
