"Bonjour Poupette" is what your French fairy godmother says every time she greets you, with a smile on her face.
"Bonjour Poupette" could be translated as "Hello Little One" but to me it means that you are recognized and loved, right now, for all that you are.
And yes, Bonjour Poupette is a menagerie of enchanting little animal people, sensitive inhabitants from the forests of our selves. I began making them at a very difficult time in my life to make sense of my world and feel less alone; and later in honor of the vulnerable and brave within and among us.
My Poupettes are spirited renditions of animal people and other magical creatures. Every figurine has a unique personality that emerges as I work, which truly makes them one-of-a-kind. Indeed, they have evolved over time and will certainly continue to do so. This is why I take the time to photograph each figurine, list them individually and only make items to order by request. I list new figurines regularly and make a limited number of custom orders each month.
Each figurine is made one at a time, by hand. I sculpt them with a premium, non-toxic, heat-cured, polymer-based modeling compound. I custom blend the polymer with pigment, mica, and metallic leaf to create unique colors and textures. Although polymer can be painted, I prefer the challenge of creating color variations through meticulous layering and blending of the material itself and rarely use paint.
I've been honored see my work published in Mollie Makes Woodland Friends, and Polymer Clay: Global Perspectives. My wedding cake toppers have been featured in The Vintage and Handmade Bride Magazine, Seattle Met Bride and Groom and The Etsy Blog.