A Wee Forest Folk^® mouse begins as an original clay piece which is hand sculpted by one of three sculptors in the Petersen family. The finished sculpture is molded and hand cast at the "mouse factory" in Carlisle, MA. Carefully selected artists flawlessly paint each one by hand bringing to life a sweet little mouse personality. Wee Forest Folk began as a cottage industry in 1972 and it continues to this day.

Every miniature sculpture starts with an idea and a lump of clay! It takes highly refined skill to create such tiny pieces from scratch. When the clay piece is complete, it is cast into white-ware and ready for the next step. After gently removing any blemishes by hand, each piece is airbrushed to simulate the critter's fur.

Next, the now "furry" white-ware is sent out in egg cartons to be painted with our non-toxic paint by our highly skilled carefully chosen local artists. Painting these wee figurines require an extremely steady hand and the tiniest of brushes. The painters return each week to pick up new pieces to paint.

Back at the mouse factory, each figurine is carefully inspected to be sure it is perfect! Next, the pieces are carefully positioned onto a base and accessories added. Many of the parts are so tiny tweezers are needed to position them perfectly. Many pieces require much special attention and require many extra steps.

Finished with a lustrous gloss, each mouse is fitted with a leather tail. The piece is marked with the sculptors initials and it is finally complete and ready to go to it's new home!

From the simplest to the most intricate, each piece goes through the same detailed process. We hope you've enjoyed learning about Wee Forest Folk and seeing how much love and patience goes into each and every one! Next time you look at one of our wee creatures, we hope it makes you smile!

Here are some pictures from the workshop! Make sure to contact us if you would like a tour!