The needle felt goldfinch. This is one technique I use whilst planning the composition and scale of the piece, but as with the feet, I use different approaches for each individual bird/animal.

I use sketches as seen in the image to check the overall size that I will need which in turn helps me scale and see loosely how the overall look will be.

I am often asked how I make the feet on some of my birds, but they really are all different, as is the approach. Regardless I find them all to be one of the most relaxing parts as they are such a methodological jigsaw and equally completely change the dynamic of the animal/sculpture.

The Revenge of Cock Robin tableaux that I am creating is something of a long term project and always love getting my teeth stuck into it.