Hello :)

I was doing so well, posting on the blog and then I disappeared again... oh well - can post pictures of some of the recent tutorials I've posted on YouTube (SugarCharmShop Gourmet) :)

The one thing that bugs me right now, is the fact that I currently have no idea if I'll be able to continue posting on the 'gourmet' channel. YouTube has been throwing a bunch of changes in the faces of the creators, with limited, if any, communication.

If you've heard any type of 'youtube related news' you might know about the whole 'advertisor friendly'-thing that's going on, which on my channels will never be a problem. But other changes have happened, and it seems like in most cases, the platform is looking for 'quantity over quality' which I don't agree with. Suddenly it's all about mass-production,. putting out daily videos - which when it comes to the type of videos I make is rarely possible. Furthermore, where videos used to spread (be recommended on other videos), they seem to just die out after the span of 12-24 hours depending on the views they get within that time frame. And sure, if it's something people search for (trending/popular topics) they might gain more views in the following days or weeks, but not even close to what you'd usually expect.

A lot of the creators on the platform seem to be experiencing much lower views on their channels amongst other things, and though I'm able to manage the current state of things on my main channel, for now, I don't know how my other channel will be affected long term. Heck, I don't know how either of my channels will be affected long term,.. My current plan for Gourmet is to keep posting and see what happens in the upcoming months. Unfortunately, if things continue the way they have for the past few weeks, I may not be able to prioritize that channel.

Click here to check out the tutorials.

Nutella chocolate cake

Cake inspired by a 'Nutella chocolate cake' I found a picture of. I loved the rustic, uncovered sides, the dripping icing/frosting and the piped dollops on top - plus, all those delicious shades of chocolate. .. Maybe not quite 50 shades *huhu* but close enough ^^

Tutorial was uploaded to 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' yesterday :)

Click here to watch the video

I'm hoping I'll be able to finish the tutorial that includes the bakery counter this week as well, since I am posting 2 videos on Gourmet this week :)
Either way, second video of the week should be up Saturday or Sunday.

Shrimp fried rice

Today's tutorial on 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' is for some simple shrimp fried rice.
- I also included some extremely simple chopsticks and a quick to make placemat :)

Not much else to say ^^

Click to watch the video

Hope you're having a great weekend so far! :)

Pancakes

One of the first pieces of miniature food I made were pancakes - not the thick/american style ones but closer to crepes (what we consider normal pancakes here). I find that, especially in the beginning, you tend to make foods that you personally like to eat.. You'll then, as time passes, venture in to a world that offers a larger variety of food, making new textures and discovering preferences as to what you enjoy making the most.

Sometimes it's nice to revisit the feeling you get from making those certain, I guess ''comfort foods'', and so since it's been requested quite a few times, I decided that today's video on 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' should be for pancakes :) 

Click here to watch the tutorial

In the tutorial I'm going to show you how I made the pancakes as well as a basic frying pan. Originally I thought of adding blueberries on the side - but seeing as the video was already pretty lengthy I decided to stick to this simple arrangement.

Lettuce & more on the copycat issue

Today's tutorial on 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' is for lettuce :) This is a fairly simple project - it doesn't require too much time or too many different materials - and it adds such a nice pop of color to any miniature scene. Fruits and vegetables is something I love to make in miniature because it's so colorful - it makes you happy!

Click here to watch the video

On the post I made around a week ago about being called a copycat, I received a comment, which was written in such a nasty way that I chose to delete it. I still have the comment, but I'm not going to go through the different 'paragraphs' of reasons why this person called me a liar.

And before I get further into this, you might wonder; why even address it?. Because, in a situation like this, there's no winning. If I don't address it, that means I'm trying too hide something, right? which makes me a liar. And if I do address it, I'm trying to hard to defend myself, which also makes me a liar. So my reason for addressing is that what I wrote in that post is the truth, and the comment I received were a bunch of assumptions - all of which were false and to be honest, fairly silly.

One of the examples used were some cherries I made back in 2014 - the person claimed those to be a copy of another miniature artist's work. As I've mentioned countless times I'm inspired by real food or pictures of real food - so though I'm sure there's no reasoning with those who want to believe I'm lying, I wanted to show you a picture of the cherries I made together with the photo I was inspired by;

I don't own this picture - it's one of the many food photographies I found and keep on my computer for inspiration.

In my version I took inspiration from the blue and white enamel bowl, the denim fabric that the bowl is placed on and the rustic wooden surface.

I am aware that there will always be people who won't believe me, or people who are not interested in having actual evidence to support their statements. And if you don't like me or my creations, there's not much I can do to change that.

Just know that when there are so many miniature artists in the world, all working within the same categories and all inspired by real life, the different seasons, holidays etc.- they're bound to make things that look similar, even if they weren't inspired by someone else's piece. When fall and Halloween rolls around, everyone makes pumpkins. For thanksgiving it's turkey, candy canes and gingerbread houses for Christmas and so on.

Another reason why I'm choosing to address this in this post is because after I had finished recording this week's tutorial (lettuce) I decided to search for lettuce tutorials on YouTube. Why? to torture myself I suppose, or to prove a point.. There are only so many ways you can make something and I did find one using CLOSE to the same technique I just used in my video. I hadn't seen this video before, I didn't copy this person or their technique - I just made the lettuce the only way I could come up with in order to get the effect I wanted. I've used these techniques in videos before. (Please refer to the video for more information about the techniques I recommend and don't recommend for making lettuce).

The thing is, that after seeing the other video, I was actually reconsidering even posting the video I made, which is silly since I hadn't seen it beforehand. And as I explained in the tutorial, there are reasons why I chose to use certain techniques over others. So my only other option would be to never post a lettuce tutorial - which is also ridiculous.

But how can the techniques then be so similar? - because again, there are only so many ways you can do something, and even fewer ways to get particular/exact effects. It is close to impossible to make something that none of the other 7.5 billion people in the world has not yet thought of. If we had to search on YouTube, Google or various social media platforms every time we wanted to make something, to make sure it hadn't been done before, we would never be able to do anything.

I won't be addressing this in future posts, because I'd much rather spend time creating and sharing. And in the name of 'sharing the love' I'll list a few of my favorite instagram accounts when it comes to inspiring food photographies (feel free to go through my entire list of the people I follow @SugarCharmShop - lots of delicious food/decor inspiration)

@dennistheprescott - His capability to make any food look scrumptious is outstanding. Even cheese platters and sushi, which are 2 things I don't eat ;D

@annagarciafrigola - photographer/stylist - beautifully arranged food.

@wagyu_beef - I follow a couple of accounts that post mainly raw meat due to my love for butcher's themed stuff.

@still_life_gallery_ - Exactly what the name suggests. Beautiful and harmonic scenes.

Anyway, Hope you'll enjoy the tutorial - I will be using lettuce in an upcoming video together with the cucumber from a previous video - just need to post another component first :) 

Happy Birthday!!! - to meeee

In my last video I asked you guys to give the video 'thumbs up' if you'd like to see 2 videos this week and I'm happy to say, that there will be 2 videos! :) In general - the more support the videos receive, the more time I'll be able to set aside for 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet', and that's why, as I've mentioned before, that even if I upload something you personally might not be all that interested in - watching the video, clicking the thumbs up button and leaving a comment still really helps the channel!

Yesterday was my birthday, so for today's tutorial we're making a simple birthday cake :)

I'm not a huge fan of the fancy fondant cakes - I much prefer these more 'home-baked' looking cakes ^^

Click to watch the tutorial;

The second video of the week is going to be somewhat valentine's themed and will be up this weekend :)

Miniature mac & cheese

Today's tutorial on 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' is going to be a pretty simple and much loved dish; Macaroni and cheese. It's been requested quite a few times both before and after I started the new channel, and even though I personally don't find it that appealing, I do understand why so many people love it.

I chose to make the baked version because,.. let's be honest; mac & cheese is basically goo. and in miniature, that 'goo' is going to look even less interesting - so the baked top adds a little extra something, haha.

Click to watch the video

I do have an old tutorial on my main channel showing how to make this type of cooking dish from polymer clay, and I might make an updated tutorial on my new channel at some point :) The one I used in the tutorial however, is one of my ceramics.

Tutorial for the green plant that appears in quite a few of my pictures - as well as the 'kitchen setup' can also be found on my main channel, in case some of you are wondering :)

I'm currently in the process of doing some more test firings of ceramics,.. can't tell you how much I HATE experimenting when it comes to new clay and new clear glazes... I love making ceramics, and I love the final result, but I could do without the testing -.-'' so *yay* for me - now I have to wait another 2-4 months before I'll feel somewhat comfortable using the new pieces.

Miniature croissants

With a slight delay, next project for 'SugarCharmShop Gourmet' is ready :)

In this video I'm going to show you how to make croissants and a cute, vintage looking wooden tray, which I think goes perfectly with the pastries. I also decorated the tray with some simple lavenders - I did record a tutorial for these, but I'm not sure if they'll be up as the next project, and I definitely want to add another flower in the same video.

Click here to watch the video

I love simple arrangements like these where you get to see each component a lot more clearly, and though the lavenders are super simple, I love what they add to this little scene as well!

Cucumber

For today's video on SugarCharmShop Gourmet we're going to make miniature cucumber, as we'll need some cucumber slices for the next project :)

Cucumber canes are pretty simple and quick to make, and they're super useful whether you're making salads, burgers, sandwiches or other goodies!
And, if you're new to cane making, this is definitely one to try out.

Click here to watch the video

Next week's tutorial will be up later in the week due to the furniture delivery I was talking about in the last post - but hey, seeing as this is the second tutorial of the week, that still mean you got a bonus video :)

I'd love to take a moment to thank everyone who has subscribed to my new channel - though I'm sure not a lot of you follow the blog, just know it means the world. Starting a new channel is always a challenge (in many ways) - but I am overwhelmed by the support I've received so far!

Stir Fry - Miniature Food Tutorial & Reorganizing

Hey! Too soon to be proud of myself for keeping up with the blog since it's only been a week, but I'm going to pad myself on the back anyway, haha.

For today's food tutorial I made some miniature stir fry with noodles, broccoli, baby corn and other goodies - quite a few had been requesting different unspecified noodle dishes on my channel and a couple of people had asked for stir fry specifically, so I hope you'll enjoy the video :)

The tutorial also includes a how-to for the simple miniature wok.

Click here to watch

I feel super motivated to create things at the moment, which is awesome, but at the same time I'm as much demotivated by my craft room;

I've been reorganizing my craft room on and off for the past... many months, and for the past while I haven't made much progress. I finally found out what bothered me so much,.;my desks... I love my desks - they're big, spacious, sturdy as heck and they were cheap (got them used from a guy who's 2 sons were moving away from home). But they also annoy me,. mostly because they have this "great design" that's supposed to look fancy, but to me it means 'curvy' table tops that create an uneven work space and don't exactly look neat when you put them next to eachother - which to top it off wastes space. They're also extremely heavy which means I'm not even going to consider playing around with different placements again.. did it once,.. don't want to re-live that. So I pulled myself together and ordered some new desks from IKEA. They're not going to be as sturdy (made sure they could hold the weight of my heaviest tools combined), I know, but they're going to look a lot more neat, sleek, the measurements when combined (3 desks) match my room perfectly, they're going to give me more work space and more space for storage units underneeth - So I'm a happy camper!

They will be delivered on wednesday - hopefully enough time for me to be able to record the videos that'll be up in that time frame and temporarily move a s*** of stuff to our living room so there's room to move out the old desks. Can't wait to get it all in place and get to work on lots of mini projects!

Pies & cake

Have had some fun doing a couple of food related pieces - as I've had less time for that these past few weeks.
Chose to make some mini 'apple pies' and a simple, elegant cake with roses. The apple pies are in a different style than what I'd usually make - these foods that are shaped into 'food' in real life, often tend to look odd in miniature.. Same with those amazing real life fondant cakes that look like handbags, high heels and other scenes; they just don't make as much sense in miniature. Nonetheless I couldn't help myself when I saw a picture of some small portion sized, apple shaped apple pies.

I know I've posted a lot about the ceramics, but I can't help it. I am just as much in love with making and using them now as I was the first time I made a batch - if not more :)

Hopefully none of these have been included in a blog update - but I'm sorry if they have; some of my recent pieces :) The blackberries and the cake with the pansies are normal 'realistic miniatures', the rest are slightly more simple and are some of the things I've been making just for the sake of tutorials on my YouTube lately :)

My inner child is loving making these cartoon inspired dolls haha ^^ lots more to come!

Ceramics, cockatoo, food & more

Lately I haven't been taking pictures every time I've fired a batch of ceramics - not that I've fired thaaat many times, but I haven't been taking the 'bundled up' pictures I did after the first 4 firings or so. Probably because plates don't change too much, haha.

However, I have improved since the last pictures were taken so I decided to take pictures of some of my more recent ceramics :)

I definitely need to do some more of the handpainted ones (they were decorated using the amaco semi moist underglazes). And I can't wait to use some of those cake stands!

Most of the colors I'm using at the moment (for the base) are the amaco velvet underglazes - love them. They come in a great variety of colors and shades, and you can get them in convenient little 2oz containers which is perfect for those who are making miniatures or only need a small amount of one color :)

I also decided to make a cockatoo (tutorial is being uploaded as I'm typing). Lots of fun and I'm already working on the next 'feathered fellow'.

And because I've been gone from the blog for a while... again... here are a couple of the other minis I've made;

Braided bread, Kiwi & Blueberry cake

A rustic braided bread, a few kiwis arranged in the most simple fashion and a blueberry cake :)

Vietnamese food & ribs

At least this time, both are fairly 'dinner' themed haha.

I made vietnamese inspired spring rolls and pho (noodle soup) for today's tutorial - and I made some ribs,. because I felt like making ribs ;) I did record the process of making the ribs, though I'm not yet sure whether or not I'll be posting it as a tutorial. I already have a video for ribs on my channel, and they both look pretty rib-ish. Still need to put the 2 last racks of ribs on a cutting board... How many times did I say ribs?... anyway;

And yes, the ribs are quite dark. They might appear slightly darker in the picture than in real life, but not much (if at all) - this is just what the ribs I cook in real life look like hihi.

Random thought - I recently started taking pictures on a white background instead of my desk - which I like.. This looks more clean. However, I also love seeing miniatures on a suitable background;

When I was taking pictures for my recent business card I had so much fun putting together a few of my miniatures to form little scenes, and now I can't help but imagining the ribs (yes, I said ribs again) on a little patio table,. maybe next to some jacket/baked potatoes... Might have to get my saw out soon. Just because I sell these, doesn't mean I can't have a little play, right? :)

Cheesecake & Popsicles

Another great combo.. ehem..; Cheesecake and popsicles :)

I've been wanting to make another cheesecake for a while - not that it's much different than my previous cheesecakes...

Have also been seeing so many pictures of ice cream and popsicles on both instagram and pinterest these past few days, so of course I had to make some.

Was playing around, giving the popsicles a more 'fresh from the freezer' kind of appearance - definitely like this look more than what I've made previously, the frost just adds a little extra something.

Also made a couple of suuuper simple snow cones, so today's tutorial is going to be ice cream themed :)

Carrots

Just some simple carrots. I had the best intentions and was planning on making a few things this weekend, but so far this is all I got done. My parents visited yesterday, and in the evening I started working on the carrots before deciding on a spontaneous trip to the movies (san andreas, good movie). My mom then found that she'd forgotten her bag at our place, with keys, wallet etc (they live 2½-3 hours away) so they had to come back for it today, haha.

I might start working on something else tonight - but doubt I'll have time to finish it until tomorrow.

We'll be ordering pizza in a bit, and watch 'the Big bang theory' :)

As for the carrots; I for once decided that it was time to improve the 'tops'. I usually use preserved moss, which looks good. but it doesn't look quite right. I like this version better.

Have recorded a tutorial for it in case I felt like uploading an updated carrot video.

The grey plate has a small chip right on the edge, as you can see. it happened before I bisque fired it, but instead of fixing it I decided to leave it as it was - I like the look of chipped tableware :) And I really like how the grey color looks against the colors of the carrots... Now I'm just sad I only made 1 grey plate...

Ceramics, bundt cake & peaches

Fired my (not counting the very first test firing with 7-8 first attempt plates/bowls) my third 'set' of ceramics yesterday!... well, the night before yesterday - when glaze firing I let the kiln run throughout the night.

Anyway - My best ceramics yet, if I do say so myself haha :) I decided to focus on making plates, as that is what I use most often - but I also adelots of little bowls.

Even made my first tea-cups, which I think turnd out really cute. The blue and white set in the foreground is a gift for a friend, and the Olive oil bottle and semi-matching bowl is s birthday gift for another friend... which, if you're watching, please tell me you saw it! ;) - though I don't expect either of them to see this blog post.

Had so much fun painting the details on the olive oil bottle. Used my Amaco semi-moist underglaze palettes. Although they have their cons but I do really love them! Might have to add handpainted details to more pieces next time I make a batch :)

Finished this simple little bundt cake yesterday, and the peaches are from the day before.

And finally another bundt cake from today :)