My Process:

I carve all of the original creatures in parts,  because each part can be made from a different material . The heads, legs, horns and other appendages are carved first because they will be made of porcelain, which shrinks by 14% when fired, so that along with the fur dictate the scale. I then make molds of each part and then cast, fire and assemble them. I use porcelain because it provides the detail needed to make an expressive creature. The body I make out of a castable stone for stability and for its wonderfully substantial feel (a 6” sheep weighs one lb.) The fur is a woven fabric from Steiff (The Teddy Bear People) in Germany and it is generally wool, mohair or alpaca.