I wanted to make a whimsical, three-dimensional paper sculpture for an upcoming miniature show. After doing some sketches, I came up with the idea of creating a little rabbit.

I wanted the bunny — who I call Flower — to be sitting on top of the hill she calls home. I also thought she needed a little basket to sit in so she can be comfy and cozy. I imagined that she is collecting and saving some of her favorite items and foods.

Now that I had my idea thought out and sketched, it was time to start working on all the pieces. Using white paper and a scissors, I cut lots of thin pieces of paper to create thin grass-like shapes. Then I took the grass shapes and formed them into a decorative hill for Flower to sit on. I wanted there to be a couple of holes at the base so she could stow away a special surprise.

Next I needed to make a tiny little “wicker” basket all out of paper, of course. I’ve always love woven baskets, especially the different styles and shapes. I have collected many different styles and varieties of baskets over the years.

A variety of woven baskets in various sizes sitting on a wooden floor

After weaving an actual-size paper “wicker” chair and table for a large-scale exhibition, I wanted to see if I could make a miniature basket using just paper and paint. I started with white paper cut into narrow strips. I was debating what color to make the basket, but then realized I didn’t need to narrow myself down to one color or style.

So, I painted the narrow strips of basket weaving paper into a couple of different colors so I could make a variety of baskets. One basket would be used for this paper sculpture. I also did a few additional weavings to plan for some other ideas I have in mind. After the paper was dry, I started weaving the basket.

After I made the basket, I started cutting the papers to make the rabbit. I wanted Flower to be sitting up in the basket with her arms over the sides. I also wanted her to hold a bunch of flowers that she collected to decorate her little home with.

Close-up of a bunch of miniature paper sculpture flowers in blues, reds, and pinks

I wanted the basket to sit on top of the hill. Because it is an important feature of her home, I had to make a little decorative ‘doily’ for the basket to rest on. I wanted the basket to look fancy too, so I cut out little hearts and attached those to each of the bows on the basket.

Close-up of a miniature paper sculpture woven basket and a brown, twig "doily" its perched on, on top of a grassy hill

Next, I started cutting out maple leaves and carrots — lots of carrots of course! Then, I designed the outside of the bunny’s home. I also added clover and one little flower as additional decorations.

Carrot decorations on the side of the basket

And of course, I had to include one of Flower’s little friends — a cute, teeny, tiny turtle. After all, everyone needs a friend in their life. Sam the turtle was made from paper that I painted in golds and browns. I was able to fit him inside one of the little openings in the grasses on the side of Flower’s hill.

A miniature brown-and-gold paper sculpture turtle perched on the tip of a woman's finger

Next, I needed to find a good spot to place Flower’s prized possession — her lucky four-leaf clover! And that finishing touch led me to the title of this artwork, “Can You Find My Lucky Four Leaf Clover?” Most recently, Flower and her home were on display at the annual Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society (MPSGS) miniature show at the Mansion at Strathmore near Washington, DC.