Tracey got in touch to discuss a bespoke piece for her mum’s birthday. She wanted to incorporate robins, owls, greenery, and her mum’s beloved cocker spaniels. We talked about budget and decided on a wall piece where the dogs would take centre stage. I wasn’t sure how to add an owl while keeping the scale of the piece flowing nicely, and after discussing what was possible while keeping to the budget, we decided to leave it out.

I made a start on the cocker spaniels and made prototypes using printer paper and paper tape. Imagination is always required here, as the models can look a bit funny! I also got to work making lily of the valley flowers, which were to form part of the wreath.

Tracey was happy with the prototypes, so I began building the dog sculptures with hand painted papers. I decided to rely on brush strokes on the paper, with cut out details, rather than make the entire face a cut out furry texture. I thought they would look too scruffy that way, since the cocker spaniels have such lovely sleek coats.

Three robins were made to adorn the wreath. Initially I thought it would be cute to have one perched on a dog’s nose, but it ended up rather obscuring her face, so I decided against it.
Tracey was happy with the final design.

It was an absolute pleasure to make this piece for Tracey and her family. I hope her mum enjoys having her dogs immortalised in paper on her wall!