Tales of the Ocean ( Butter Sculpture)

Our Second task, working on a butter sculpture.


What you need:

• Butter
• Materials for the framework (wood, metal/ sculpted Styrofoam)
• 
  

 Step 1: Find a cool room (air-conditioned)

Find a cool room in which to work so your butter doesn’t melt as you sculpt.

Step 2: Pick a subject or theme

Pick a subject or a theme. Let your mind run wild. Butter sculptors have created everything.

Step 3: Soak the butter

Soak the butter in very cold water in order to remove impurities and give the butter an extra- smooth texture. The amount of butter you soak depends on how large you’d like your sculpture to be.

Step 4: Build the frame

Build a frame to hold your base in place. Traditionally, bamboo sticks were fashioned into the framework, but you can use wood and/or metal, or even a carved Styrofoam as a base.

Step 5: Dip hands in ice water

Before you start sculpting, dip your hands in ice water. Your hands must be kept practically numb, or your body heat will melt your creation.

Step 6: Knead the butter

Knead the butter into a paste that'll free the air bubbles inside it.

Step 7: Butter the base

Load the butter onto the base, and begin shaping it with your hands.

Step 8: Fine-tune your design

Fine-tune your design with tallow tools. Use modeling tools for smoothing and contouring large surfaces, and sculpting tools for intricate detail.