Hello!
My name is Kate and I make unique paper sculptures in a woodland theme. My range includes barn owls, squirrels and lots of different bird species. I also like to make insects and floral decorations.

My sculptures are my own design, which start off as doodles in my sketchbook, which I work out into three dimensional designs with my ruler, protractor and an angle measurer. My templates are hand printed and assembled with their own unique embellishments, to become individual sculptures to adorn your walls and bring cheer to your decor.

I design and build my sculptures at my open studio in Manchester (UK). If you're local to the area you are very welcome to visit and get a peak at all of my newest designs. (More info below.)

Every item can be personalized and made especially for you; whether it is an owl portrait of your family, flowers to match your favourite colour scheme, or a special First Wedding Anniversary gift.

My sculptures are embellished in different ways and I group them together in various compositions and combinations, sometimes adorned with flowers, acorns, spectacles or bow ties, hanging from handmade twigs (made with sturdy steel wire), handmade wooden bird stands and cages, or freestanding.
I learned hand printing processes during my Foundation Course over a decade ago and still get such joy out of working with the inks and equipment to create individual prints. My Design: Crafts degree taught me a broad range of skills in many different materials, however I have always loved paper. It is humble, universal and always on hand for any imaginative adventure.

How I make my sculptures:
They are based on sketchbook doodles of wildlife; predominantly birds, because I find them so characterful. When I'm happy with my drawings I design a 3d template with my ruler and protractor. The design process uses some traditional maths, rather than computer programming, as every aspect of my designs is hand made. I have a rather technical brain, so I enjoy the maths of working out the different shapes! Contours and overall structure is important here for aesthetic purposes and also to ensure the finished model will be strong and robust. Each paper model is hand printed, using a blank silkscreen to doodle patterns onto the surface. This ensures each has its own unique textures, patterns & colour palette. Then I cut out and glue all of the parts together. They are then varnished, which gives the sculptures a lovely satin sheen and also seals their edges and protects them against harsh sunlight.

My studio space:
I have a little studio in Manchester Craft and Design Centre (Manchester, England) where I can be found most days designing or building little creatures. The walls of my studio are white brick, with grey trees painted onto them. My sculptures adorn the walls, which feels like I am working inside a bright, colourful menagerie. My studio is open to the public Monday-Saturday 10-5.30, should you be in the Manchester area and care to visit. Manchester Craft and Design Centre is a vibrant community of around 30 resident makers in 18 unique studios. It is a lovely place to work.

Every design has a name, which I pick out from beloved books, films or heroes of mine. My favourite design is Edgar the Raven, because he takes so long to make and he was the first free standing sculpture I made. I remember feeling a sense of pride (and relief!) once his legs were attached properly and I knew he could stand securely on his own two feet!

Environmental Policy:
I am keen to build as environmentally sound business as I am able. I use recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks. All paper offcuts are used in embellishments, collaged cards or one-off prints, so very little is left to the recycling bin.