This project was fun!  Thank you for sharing your tips.  I like casein for it's velvety look when dry.  I also like that I can make adjustments easily until I'm satisfied.  I struggled some with the fuzzy shadow parts, and my spoon looks a little more haggard than the reference.  But, to me, it looks like a well used spoon.  I primarily paint with watercolor; but I plan to try other subjects using casein, including plein air landscapes.