Miniatures by Vilma’s Crafts
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How did you first get started making miniatures?
I started making miniatures when I was really young. I have always been interested in small things. I don’t quite recall the time when I started making miniatures myself, but I remember learning about polymer clay approximately two years ago, in 2013. If I remember correctly, my first small scale project was a toy box for a dollhouse, made from a cardboard toilet paper roll.
What’s your favorite type of miniature to make?
My favorite type of miniature to make is probably food, or something that people can recognize and relate to. Or for example, a pair of shoes that everyone knows.
What’s your favorite type of food to eat?
I like a lot of different kinds of meat… and tortillas, yum!
Favorite type of clay to use?
I mostly use FIMO, but sometimes I use Cernit or Sculpey. My favorite is FIMO because they offer different kinds of clay: soft, classic, or effect.
Favorite miniature you’ve made?
My favorite miniature I own is a vintage Singer sewing machine I made from Q-tips and paintbrushes two years ago. It might not be that pretty, but for me, it’s very special.
What inspires you?
There are many things I get inspired by. Pinterest is important while trying to be inspired, as is the Internet in general. I look at pictures of different food items or other images. I like to incorporate things that I like, and make miniatures that look like my own style.
What advice would you give to beginner miniaturists?
If you want to make realistic miniatures, you should take your texturing and shading as far as you can. Take your time when you’re doing it. For example, with a slice of cake you should take your time on texturing the piece properly. Sometimes I come up with new techniques by messing around with different textures and materials. Also, you should just watch different tutorials and try things yourself. I wish someone had told me about soft pastels and shading when I started making miniatures.
Why miniatures?
I have always been interested in small things. When I was young, I always bought a Barbie that came with the smallest accessories.
What’s to come from Vilma’s Crafts?
Well, of course there are new miniatures coming up… I have a few things planned for next year. I plan to make different holiday-inspired miniatures. But currently, I’m working on Christmas miniature food and gifts. I think I’m not going to do small room boxes next year because my room is so full of crafting supplies, and I hate to clean. There’s just not enough space for my small dollhouses!
Words you live by?
Sometimes I just repeat the saying: “I’m gonna do this as well as I can, and make it as realistic as possible,” something to that effect.
Other activities you enjoy?
I enjoy drawing. I also collect magnets from different countries. And I bake cakes and make sugar fondant decorations.
Anything else you would like to add? What do you want miniature enthusiasts to know about the creator behind Vilma’s Crafts?
Well, I started to study baking in vocational college this past August. Hopefully that is going to be my future occupation.
Vilma Hokkanen is based in Espoo, Finland, near Helsinki. Have a look at the miniatures she’s recently created by following her on Instagram!
