1. What materials are your products made from?

Our fake food products are meticulously crafted using a comprehensive array of materials, carefully chosen to ensure both exceptional quality and environmental safety. At The Fake Food Workshop, we prioritise conservation-friendly options and employ materials like Jesmonite, an award-winning, eco-conscious product that serves as the primary foundation for many of our exquisite replicas.

Our production process also involves:

Resins: Known for its durability and ability to capture intricate details.

Plaster and Clays: Ideal for prototyping and sculptural elements.

Hard and Soft Foams: Lightweight and versatile for textured designs.

Premium-Grade Silicone: We use it to craft platinum molds directly from original foods, ensuring stunningly realistic details in our casts.

Each piece is finished with professional-grade paints and varnishes, enhancing its authenticity and ensuring it withstands the test of time. Importantly, our products are not disposable but are crafted to endure, reflecting our commitment to sustainability.

To further promote sustainability and longevity, we recommend storing our fake food replicas in a dry and dust-free environment when not in active use. Proper care will preserve their impeccable quality and ensure they remain a lasting investment.

2. Who buys your products?

Our products attract a wide range of clients from all over the world. We work with museums, heritage sites, and production companies for films, TV, and theater, as well as luxury retailers, stylists, and photographers.

They are also popular with businesses looking to create distinctive displays or interiors, as well as collectors and those with an interest in British heritage and food history. Whether it’s for storytelling, showcasing tradition, or enhancing a space, our sculpted food replicas have a broad appeal. See some of our Case Studies.

3. Are your products safe to use around food?

Our products are decorative and not intended for use with food. They are robust and made to endure, making them perfect for photo shoots, displays, and set designs. However, we do not recommend them for handling collections or for repeated contact. They should be treated as art pieces rather than functional items for food-related use.

4. How did you get into fake food?

My name is Kerry Samantha Boyes and I lead the creative team here at the workshop. I’m a trained sculptor and have spent much of my career working in the heritage sector, focusing on making furniture, carving stones, conservation, and taxidermy. Each of these experiences has given me a unique skill set, which naturally lent itself to creating fake foods.

The journey began during the COVID lockdown when I started making fake berries at home with my children. It was a small creative project, but I began selling a few pieces on Etsy, and things grew from there. As sales and custom orders increased, the products evolved to meet demand, and we’ve since built an extensive catalogue of molds, products, and ranges inspired by British heritage.

Today, we are a small creative team based in the historic artists’ town of Kirkcudbright, where our brick-and-mortar store is located alongside the workshop. From here, we sell globally to an esteemed clientele, with our products in demand around the world. What began as a creative exploration has become a thriving business, combining my background in craftsmanship and heritage with a passion for celebrating food as art.

5. Do you offer bulk orders for businesses?

Yes! We’ve collaborated with businesses, museums, heritage sites, and production companies to create bespoke projects tailored to their needs. Whether you’re looking for custom designs, large-scale orders for displays, or unique pieces for film, TV, or theater productions, we can help.

Our team is experienced in managing bulk orders while maintaining the high level of detail and quality our products are known for. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, timelines, and pricing. We’d love to explore how we can bring your vision to life.

6. Do you teach fake food workshops or hold workshops?

At present, we are a busy fake food workshop with an authentic fake food store that proudly showcases our unique creations. While we don’t currently offer fake food classes, this is something we are excited to plan for the future.

We’d love the opportunity to share our process and techniques with small groups in a hands-on environment. Our brick-and-mortar store is conveniently located next to our workshop, where the magic happens. Kerry is often on-site, working on new creations, and is always happy to chat or demonstrate parts of her process when time allows.

To be the first to hear about upcoming workshops, follow us on Instagram and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter!

7. Can I request a custom piece?

Yes! We offer custom orders for individuals and businesses. Visit our Custom Orders page to submit your request. Please note that lead times and pricing will vary depending on the complexity of the design.

8. Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we ship worldwide! Shipping costs and delivery times vary by location and will be calculated at checkout.

9. How are the products packaged?

All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely, no matter where they are being shipped. We take great care in using protective materials to safeguard our products during transit, ensuring they reach you in perfect condition.

We are also committed to sustainability and use eco-friendly packaging materials wherever possible. From recyclable boxes to biodegradable fillers, we strive to minimize our environmental impact. We encourage you to recycle or reuse our packaging to help reduce waste and support environmentally friendly practices.

If your order requires special packaging for gifting or display purposes, please get in touch—we’re happy to accommodate where possible.

10. Are the products identical to those shown in photos?

Each piece is unique due to our sculpting process. Slight variations in colour, size, and detailing may occur, making every item truly one of a kind.

11. Do the products come with crockery or cutlery?

No, the crockery or cutlery shown in images is for display purposes only and is not included in the sale.

Most of our products are free-standing, allowing buyers to incorporate them seamlessly into their personal style of display or pair them with their own crockery sets and decor. This versatility ensures our pieces can complement a wide range of aesthetic preferences and settings.

However, some of our products are fixed to plates or occasionally come with crockery. These specific items are identified in their product descriptions to avoid any confusion. Please read the details carefully to understand what is included with each item.

12. Are your products suitable for children?

No, our products are not suitable for children. They are designed as decorative items and are not intended to be used as toys or handled by young audiences. Due to their intricate detailing and delicate construction, these items should be treated as art pieces and kept out of reach of children.

Additionally, some items may include small or fragile components that could pose a choking hazard. For these reasons, we strongly recommend displaying our products in a safe location where they can be admired without risk to young hands.

This guideline ensures both the safety and the preservation of our carefully crafted pieces.

13. How should I care for my sculpted food replica?

Dust gently with a soft cloth or brush to keep it clean and free of buildup. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, water, or high humidity, as these conditions may affect the appearance or integrity of the piece. When not on display, store in a dry, dust-free environment to maintain its quality.

Our fake food items are not disposable; they are meticulously crafted to be durable and long-lasting, designed to bring beauty and charm to your space for years to come. Proper care will ensure they remain as stunning as the day you received them.

14. Can I visit your physical store?

Absolutely! Visit us at our bricks-and-mortar store in Kirkcudbright—the only Fake Food Store of its kind in the UK. Conveniently located next to our workshop, it’s the perfect place to see where the magic happens and explore our collection in person. We’d love to welcome you!