Dare to imagine a world where the fantastical comes to life, not through plastic, but through the pure, unadulterated artistry of nature itself. At Bone Boutique, our journey into "Wearable Conservation" began with crafting grand, fantastical creatures—like the awe-inspiring dragon born from an armadillo pelvis. These large, fully articulated bone sculptures, such as our majestic raccoons or dragons, are intricate works of art that can cost several hundred dollars.
 
You might think, "I didn't know butterflies have bones!" And while they don't in nature, in our world, they certainly look like they could. Meet our stunning butterfly, carefully and artistically sculpted from various fish bones. The intricate Weberian apparatus of a catfish forms the perfect base, giving this magnificent creature its core structure and embodying the "thorax" of our butterfly. The elegant forewings are represented by the operculum of the bullhead catfish, while the graceful hindwings take shape from the cleithrum of the Sail Catfish. Adding the final delicate touch, the antennae are crafted from the thin, ethereal membrane found in the mandibles of the Florida longnose garfish.
 
Every fish used in this sculpture by Michele Moore has been ethically harvested for food. In our commitment to Wearable Conservation (extended here to sculptural art), the rest of the fish has been thoughtfully kept and curated – degreased, sun-whitened, and sanitized – ensuring no part goes to waste in a landfill.
 
This unique Bone Bug measures approximately 6 inches long, 4.5 inches wide, and 1.5 inches tall, making it a perfect conversation piece or a distinct addition to any collection that values natural art and imaginative design.
 
Details:
Sculpture Name: Bone Bug: The Fantastical Butterfly
Collection: Bone Bugs (Economy Line of Bone Sculptures)
Materials: Ethically Salvaged Catfish Bones (Weberian apparatus, Bullhead Catfish Operculum, Sail Catfish Cleithrum), Florida Longnose Garfish Mandible Membrane.
Dimensions: Approximately 6 inches (L) x 4.5 inches (W) x 1.5 inches (H)
Sourcing: Fish ethically harvested for food; all elements repurposed to avoid waste.
Artisan Craftsmanship: Handcrafted by Michele Moore of Bone Boutique.
Style: Fantastical, Natural Art, Unique Sculpture, Eco-Friendly, Wearable Conservation (extended concept), Budget-Friendly.