Information

Pricing

Pricing for the skulls varies on their individual type and size. They range from:

Ram skulls: $300-$400
Goat skulls: $250-$350
Deer skulls: $400-$500
Cow skulls: $600-$800
Buffalo skulls: $800-$1,000

Postage

Postage for skulls is only available within Australia. Postage costs vary on the weight and size of the individual skull. Each skull is wrapped in bubble wrap and sent via Australia Post. Tracking details are be supplied upon postage and insurance is also available for purchase.

If you are local to Deniliquin and would like to arrange to pick up your skull, please contact me.

Ram skulls and smaller skulls: $30
Deer skulls and medium skulls: $40
Cow skulls and other larger skulls: $50

How to purchase

I am currently only selling skulls through my website. New releases are advertised for sale via my Instagram and are then available to purchase on the website at a specific date and time.

There are options for after pay when purchasing on the website. For alternative payment arrangements, please contact me.

To stay up to date with when new skulls become available, keep an eye on my Instagram @bymetcalfe

My papers

The two main varieties I use are Japanese Chiyogami papers and Italian Rossi papers. Both boast intricate designs with floral elements and gold detailing. Examples of the most popular papers I use can be seen below.

The Rossi papers are designed and printed in Florence, from a family run business founded in 1931. They feature traditional Florentine designs, inspired from the Renaissance period and are printed on high quality 85gsm sheets.

Chiyogami papers are also handmade in Kyoto, Japan, by a small number of families using traditional techniques. Originally developed during the Edo period (1602-1867), each sheet is individually silkscreened onto 70gsm paper. With vibrant colours and gold overlay, the designs are inspired by traditional Kimono textiles and often feature florals and geometric shapes.

Decoration process

The majority of the skulls I use have been naturally sun bleached from years of lying in paddocks. However, I still clean all my skulls when they come to me, to ensure all stains and odours are removed. The horns of each skull are separately polished, for larger skulls they are removable for safer postage .

Once the skulls are cleaned, I decorate them using a technique called decoupage. This involves glueing small bits of paper on the skull and moulding them around the surface. After this, layers of varnish are applied over a few days to seal the paper and give the skull a glossy finish.

About the skulls

It’s important to note that no animals are harmed for the production of my work. The majority of the skulls I use I’m able to collect from local properties, where it’s likely the animal has died of natural causes. Other skulls I purchase are second hand and I therefore don’t always know the circumstances of their history.

Regardless, it’s the process of recycling the skull that’s an important part of what I do. By using natural materials that would otherwise be neglected, I’m ensuring my work to be as ethical and sustainable as possible.