How to Make a Butter Sculpture
Don’t laugh—butter sculpture is a true art form that originated in Tibet in the 7th century. It is now one of the highlights of many American harvest fairs.
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You Will Need
- Butter
- A cool room
- Ice water
- Materials for the framework
- Sculpting tools
- Food coloring
Steps
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Step 1
Find a cool room
Find a cool room in which to work so your butter doesn’t melt as you sculpt.
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Today, Tibetan monks create their works of art in rooms kept at 32° F.
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Step 2
Pick a subject
Pick a subject. Let your mind run wild. Butter sculptors have created everything from The Last Supper to Elvis Presley.
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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.
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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.
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Step 5
Dip hands in ice
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.
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Step 6
Knead the butter
Knead the butter into a paste that’s free of air bubbles.
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Add food coloring to the paste, or parts of the paste, if you like.
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Step 7
Butter the base
Load the butter onto the base, and begin shaping it with your hands.
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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.
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Many household items, like shoe horns and manicure instruments, can be turned into sculpting tools, so use your imagination.
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Step 9
Keep it cool
Once you’ve completed your masterpiece, store it somewhere it won’t melt before the big reveal.
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In December 2004, a 1,000-lb. butter sculpture of an ice skating cow was unveiled in Manhattan as part of an American dairy campaign to boost baking during the holidays.
