Fiber sculpture & botanical jewellery

Moths that never
had to die.

I love moths. Their furry bodies, tiny eyes, soft dusty wings. But they live so briefly, and you can't touch a pinned specimen, can't carry it with you, can't feel its fur. So I developed a technique to recreate every part of a moth from fibre: wings, legs, antennae, body, exactly as it should be anatomically.

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Handmade moth sculpture with botanical jewellery — moss, flowers, and stones
There is no template and no plan. I just sit with a reference photo and add fibre after fibre until it looks right. One moth takes about a week.

I'm Lina. I studied entomology for five years, sewed and embroidered for most of my life, and one day combined the two. Each species needs its own technique: different anatomy, different scale, sometimes even different dyes, because some won't take on synthetic fibre.

The moths

Free add-on

Permanent mounting options

Each moth comes with a magnet system. If you'd like to wear yours as jewellery (earring, pendant, brooch), I can build in a permanent mount, free of charge.

Magnet mounting system Moth with pin mounting

Packaging

Matte black tin boxes for smaller moths. Three lining options: hand-dyed cotton with embroidery in a moth-inspired design, a custom embroidery design of your choice, or a printed design on velvet.

Moth packaging tin box

Botanical jewellery

I spend a lot of time in the forest. At some point I started bringing pieces of it home: moss, lichen, tiny stones, dried flowers. And turning them into things you can wear. Each piece is one of a kind.

Botanical jewellery collection
Needle felting can only be done by hand, there is no machine for it. Each moth has its own character that comes out slowly as I work. I sculpt without a plan or template.

Materials

Wool, silk, synthetic fibre, glass, wire, dyes, clay, preserved botanicals

Lead time

Up to 8 weeks per commission

Made in

Prague, Czech Republic, entirely by hand

Commission deposit

€30 to begin your order

Your selection

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About

Hi!
I'm Lina.

Entomologist & maker. Obsessively detailed.

Lina holding moths

I adore moths. Not just their wings, but their fuzzy bodies, tiny black eyes, ridiculous feathery antennae, soft little legs. I think they are the most beautiful creatures alive.

They don't live very long, though. And dried specimens you can't touch, can't carry with you. I wanted moths that look like they might fly away, that you can actually hold. So I started making them from fibre.

I spent five years in an entomology lab in Siberia, studying bees and moths. Before that it was a childhood of sewing, embroidery, toys, clay. I always made things with my hands. When I left the lab and moved to Europe, I combined the two: the scientific eye and the textile hands.

There are other insect sculptors out there, and some of them are incredible. Most work in resin, wire, or paper. I came from textiles. I love fibre for its softness, for the way it catches light like real fur. Working with it is slow. I shape each moth fibre by fibre, with no template, just a reference photo and a lot of patience. A single moth takes about a week.

Every species needs a different technique. The anatomy, the scale, even the dyes are different each time. Some pigments won't bond to synthetic fibre, so I have to find workarounds. You can't mechanise this work and you can't delegate it, because there is no algorithm to follow.

The forest jewellery came later. I spend a lot of time in the woods, and at some point I started collecting small pieces of it: moss, lichen, stones. And turning them into things you can wear.

Techniques

Needle feltingRonghua embroideryClay sculptingFibre dyeingHand embroideryBotanical preservationMixed media

Based in

Czech Republic

Background

Entomology, 5 years laboratory research

Commissions

Open · up to 8 weeks

Tutorials

In development

If you've read this far, thank you. I mean it. This is my whole life packed into a small website, and the fact that you're here matters to me.

— Lina

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Mounting options

How to wear
your moth

I try to make my moths as realistic as possible, so the default attachment is invisible: a small neodymium magnet inside the body, paired with a matching magnet you place on the other side of fabric, a surface, or inside a display case.

What comes included

Every moth ships with a pair of neodymium magnets: one built into the moth's body, one loose for the other side. This lets you attach the moth to clothing, bags, curtains, lampshades, or any thin surface and remove it just as easily.

Smaller moths also come with a protective cardboard carrying case, so you can safely take them with you wherever you go.

You can also order a unique, durable metal tin case with a soft lining inside: hand-embroidered or printed velvet, your choice.

Protective carrying case for moths

Permanent mounts, free of charge

If you'd like to wear your moth more securely, or use it as jewellery, I can build in a permanent, non-removable mounting before shipping. Just let me know when ordering. This is free, it's part of making the moth yours.

Pin / stud earring mounting

Pin (stud)

Stud earring, lapel pin, hat pin. A small metal post with a butterfly clutch back. The most discreet one.

Ear cuff mounting

Cuff

Ear cuff, clothing edge, bag strap. A spring clip that grips fabric or cartilage. No piercing needed.

Back loop mounting

Back loop

Pendant, necklace, hair clip (legs up). A small ring on the back. The moth hangs naturally, wings spread.

Belly loop mounting

Belly loop

Pendant, necklace, hair clip (wings up). A ring under the abdomen. The moth hangs upside down, wings pointing up.

Not sure which mount suits your moth? Message me, I'm happy to help.

Get in touch
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Your piece, for years to come

Handling &
Care

Each moth is a handmade fibre sculpture. It's delicate and detailed, but it will last a long time if you treat it gently. Here's how to keep it looking good.

Water & washing

Please do not wash, soak, or submerge the moth in water.

A little moisture in the air or light rain will usually not damage it, but the fur or fibres may become slightly messy. If that happens, you can gently smooth them back into place with your fingers or a soft toothbrush, brushing from head to tail.

If the moth gets dirty, try to clean the stained area very carefully with a small brush. Please note that some colour change may occur, especially on the body and on coloured areas.

Wings & legs

The wings and legs are flexible and fairly sturdy, but they are not meant for repeated forceful bending. Please do not aggressively bend and re-bend them.

If the legs become misshapen and lose their original curves, you can gently reshape them by hand. Straighten them carefully and bend them back into place. For each leg, aim for 2 bends total, spaced roughly across the length of the leg so the shape looks natural.

Antennae

The antennae are very delicate and may become bent or compressed.

If they lose their shape, you can try to fix them gently in the correct position using either:

  • a small amount of hair styling gel, or
  • diluted PVA glue (white craft glue) mixed with water at about 1:5

If the fine hairs of the antennae stick together, separate them carefully with a toothpick before the glue dries.

Storage & general handling

Handle gently and avoid pressure, crushing, or friction during storage or wear.

For best preservation, keep the piece in a dry place and avoid prolonged rubbing, heavy handling, or contact with cosmetics, oils, or dirt.

Care diagrams — antenna, leg bending, handling

Important safety note

This item is not a children's toy and not a toy for pets. It is a collectible art piece, made for display or for very careful wear. Please handle it as a delicate handmade object.

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Thank you for your order

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What happens next

1
In-stock items will be carefully packaged and shipped via express courier. Expected delivery: 3 to 4 business days.
2
Commission orders: your deposit secures your place in the queue. Production takes up to 8 weeks. I'll send you photos of the finished piece before shipping so you can see it first. The remaining balance is due before dispatch.
Questions about your order? Just reply to your receipt email or write to liminal.forest.crafts@gmail.com, I'll get back to you personally.
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