Our process

Every custom pet memorial figurine begins with your companion’s story.
Our process doesn’t involve mass production or carving by machine. Each piece is individually handcrafted from sustainably sourced wood and carefully painted by hand, preserving their unique markings, personality, and memories that made your pet one of a kind.

Step 1 - sustainably sourced wood & personalised design

Everything starts with wood blocks from sustainable timber plantations. Basswood is chosen for its fine grain, stability, and ability to capture delicate details without compromising durability.

Using the reference photos you have provided, we carefully sketch your pet directly onto the timber, planning the proportions, pose, and silhouette before carving begins.

Why basswood?

* Sustainably sourced from managed forests
* Fine grain for highly detailed carving
* Lightweight yet durable
Ideal for heirloom-quality handcrafted figurines
Its pliability allows us to carve and whittle the finest details

Step 2 - Every Cut Matters

Rather than removing excess material unnecessarily, we carefully cut only what is needed using a traditional wire saw.

This careful approach preserves the integrity of the wood while allowing us to naturally follow the intended shape of your pet.

This process is completed individually for each commission—never using pre-made blanks or moulds.

Step 3 - Carving the Foundation

With the timber prepared, the figurine begins to emerge.

At this stage we establish:

* Overall proportions
* Body posture
* Sitting or resting position
* Head angle
* Tail placement
* Overall balance

Think of this as creating the personality and silhouette before focusing on the finer details.

Step 4 - Bringing Your Pet to Life

Once the overall form is established, we begin refining the features that make your pet recognisable.

Every commission receives individual attention as we carve details such as:

* Paws
* Nose
* Ears
* Tail
* Eyes
* Facial contours

No two pets have exactly the same proportions, which is why every figurine is carved individually rather than copied from a template.

Step 5 - Sculpting the Character

This is where the figurine truly starts resembling your companion.

We carefully refine:

* Fur direction
* Coat texture
* Muscle contours
* Feathering around the ears
* Chest fur
* Tail texture
* Facial expression

Small details often become the most meaningful—whether it’s a slightly floppy ear, the way the fur parts around the face, or the gentle expression your family remembers every day.

Our goal isn’t simply to create a wooden sculpture.

It’s to recreate the feeling of seeing your companion resting peacefully.

Step 6 - Building the Colour Layer by Layer

Painting begins with carefully applied base coats.

Rather than applying one thick layer, we gradually build colour using multiple thin coats to achieve greater depth and a more natural appearance.

Depending on your pet’s coat, several layers may be required before the colouring accurately reflects their fur.

This slower process allows subtle tones to develop naturally while preserving the carved details beneath.

Step 7 - Matching Every Coat Pattern

Once the foundation colours are complete, we begin recreating your pet’s unique markings.

Large markings are painted first, including:

* Large spots on their back or other areas
* Little beauty marks on their faces
* Tufts of differently coloured fur on their bodies
* Patches
* little rings around their tails

These larger patterns create the visual structure before the finer detailing is added.

Step 8 - The Details That Make Them Yours

The final painting stage focuses on the smallest features.

These finishing touches include:

* The glint in their eyes
* Nose colour
* Paw pads
* Whiskers
* Ear feathering
* Individual fur highlights

Many owners tell us it’s the eyes that make the figurine feel like their pet has come home again.

Those tiny details are often what transform a beautiful sculpture into a deeply personal memorial.

Step 9 - Completing Your Memorial

After a final quality inspection, your figurine is paired with the urn you’ve selected.

The completed memorial is carefully assembled, protected for shipping, and prepared for its journey to your home.

From the first pencil sketch to the final protective packaging, every piece is handcrafted specifically for one family and one companion.

There are no production lines.

No moulds.

No templates.

Only time, craftsmanship, and the privilege of helping preserve the memory of a pet who will always be loved.

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