SCULPTING SWEET MEMORIES

Rachel Dyke’s miniature cakes from Little Things stop you in your tracks with their charm and detail. There’s a quiet magic to these tiny, meticulously crafted cakes—each one a reflection of Rachel’s passion for polymer clay and her journey from a childhood hobbyist to a fine artist.

Rachel, now 38, began working with polymer clay at the age of 6, when her parents bought her a few blocks of Fimo. She crafted small animals, foods, and accessories for her Spice Girls Barbie dolls during the '90s.

It wasn’t long before her artistic interests shifted to makeup, which became her hyperfixation throughout middle school and high school. In her early 20s, after reading an article about jewelry designer Tarina Tarantino, Rachel picked up the craft again, starting with jewelry before returning to her true love from childhood: sculpting miniature foods and cakes.

At this time, Rachel was also attending community college, studying color theory, art history, and sculpting. She merged the lessons from her fine art courses with her polymer clay work, creating a unique blend of technical skill and creative expression.

Eventually, makeup took center stage again as she enrolled at the Makeup Designory (MUD) school in Los Angeles, where she honed her skills in beauty makeup, special effects, and prosthetics. However, after working in the industry on music videos and short films, she realized that her true calling lay not in makeup, but in sculpting.

In 2014, Rachel transitioned to working at a West Hollywood bakery, decorating elaborate cakes for celebrity kids’ birthdays and movie premieres. But it was when one of her miniatures went viral on social media that everything changed.

A miniature cake she made for a bakery in Australia was shared online, and the response was overwhelming. Soon, her work was featured in major publications like Brides, Martha Stewart, and Huffington Post—a testament to her skills and talent.

Her skill in transforming polymer clay into incredibly detailed cakes drew us in as well. "What I love about polymer clay is its versatility," she says. "It allows me to do everything from color matching to making food, cakes, and doll accessories. It’s a medium that keeps me inspired."

Rachel’s favorite part of the process is capturing the precise details of real cakes in miniature form. “All my cakes are based on real-life examples,” she explains. "I use dollhouse scale measurements to ensure they’re perfectly accurate."

Her work transcends the technical aspects of miniature sculpting, it’s also about storytelling and emotion. "I love to imagine my cakes displayed on someone’s shelf, next to their wedding photos. It’s like a little shrine to the day," she shares. The intricate, lifelike details of her creations evoke nostalgia, bringing joy to collectors around the world.

The process of creating her miniatures is a delicate balance of planning and spontaneity. "I start by choosing the size, then I measure the scale. I need to work on my own pieces while doing commissions to keep my inspiration flowing," Rachel says. But working at such a tiny scale comes with its challenges, especially physically.

Hours hunched over her work can take a toll on her body, leading to eye strain, back pain, and hand fatigue. "I’ve learned to take breaks every 15 minutes, stretch, and give myself rest," she notes. "I also use CBD balm on my hands at night to help with recovery."

Despite the physical toll, Rachel finds immense satisfaction in the response her work elicits. "I’ve had people cry when they received a piece," she recalls, "and one person even drove to show their husband at work. That kind of response is so meaningful to me."

Rachel’s work has resonated with collectors, including celebrities, and her art has even found a place in galleries. "I’m proud to have my work in Parlor Gallery in New Jersey and be part of the MutualArt database, alongside artists like Keith Haring and Da Vinci," she says with pride.

Rachel’s journey has been one of persistence and growth. "When I look back at my early pieces, they were terrible," she admits. "But through practice, my skills improved, and I’ve learned just how powerful the brain is. Seeing other artists grow and improve brings me to tears. Making art isn’t a waste of time. It’s about sharing your creativity with the world."

Looking ahead, Rachel is excited to explore new directions in her art. "I’ve been thinking about creating tiny clothing, miniature rooms, and wedding scenes. My goal is to make a tiny wedding cake for a gallery someday," she shares. "I’ve always wanted to make the Spice Girls bus from Spiceworld—that’s a project I’ve had in my notebook for years."

Rachel’s miniature cakes aren’t just charming—they tell stories, and we love that. With every tiny detail, she captures sweet memories, one polymer clay cake at a time.