MARCH 1996
by Mary Eccher - page 1 of 8
"International Potluck"
Foods of Our Heritage II
Foreign flavors are now
American
Introduction
I first introduced you to Foods of our Heritage in the October '93 issue of NN, with the promise of an additional selection of regional foods to come at a later date. That date has finally arrived. To tempt your miniature palate, I will be creating delicacies from several countries. For some of you, these foods may bring back memories of family gatherings where food played a very important role in family identity, our heritage. Samples are shown larger than actual size, and specific items needed are mentioned with each food. A basic materials list with common items needed are listed on the next page.
INSTRUCTIONS
Foods are made with Fimo, and casting and polymer resins. Fimo is a multi-purpose modeling compound that can be hardened in minutes in your home or toaster-size oven. It is non-toxic, easy to use, and comes in forty brilliant colors that can be blended for any shade or tone imaginable. Fimo can be stained, painted, or glossed, chopped and sliced (either baked or unbaked), and textured with fillers (such as sand). It is completely adaptable for use with resin. These features make Fimo a perfect medium for your miniature cookery! (Note: The jury is still out on whether or not Fimo is completely non-toxic. Just to be safe, we recommend using a Fimo-only toaster oven, and separate baking surfaces for larger ovens.)
Resin is a liquid plastic. When a hardner (catalyst) is added to the resin, a chemical reaction starts that causes the resin to "gel," then harden. There are two types (not brands) of resin --- casting resin and polymer compound resin. Casting resin is mixed by adding drops of the catalyst to the resin in a paper cup. The usual formula is 10 drops catalyst to one ounce resin. Polymer compound resin is a two bottle kit that is mixed one part resin to one part catalyst. Opague colors or transparent dyes may be added to the resin to tint it. CAUTION: Be sure to have good ventilation when working with resins.
Tips on working with these materials are given here at "Mary's Menus".
Handcrafted Collectible Dollhouse Scale Miniature Foods, Beverages and Accessories
IGMA ARTISAN
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I will celebrate your life for the rest of mine....
