What’s the best way to protect a craft sculpture from pets or children knocking it over?

Living with kids or pets means everything has a fair chance of getting knocked over—including your carefully made craft sculpture. I’ve been there myself, watching my cat zoom past a ceramic bird I spent weeks on. So what’s the best way to keep that sculpture upright?

First, think about the base. A heavy, wide base is your sculpture’s best friend. You can add a hidden weight, like a metal plate or a bag of sand, inside hollow sculptures or underneath the display surface. Museum putty or sticky gel pads also work wonders—they hold the sculpture gently but firmly on a shelf or table, so a curious child or a bumping dog won’t send it flying.

Second, consider the location. Place your sculpture on a stable, low surface, like a console table against a wall, rather than a fragile side table or a high shelf that kids might try to climb for. If you can, keep it out of high-traffic zones—corners are safer than hallways. For especially energetic pets, a clear acrylic or glass display box acts like an invisible shield; they can see the art, but they can’t touch it.

If you want extra security, use a nylon wire or small L-bracket to anchor the sculpture to a wall or heavy furniture piece. This is common in museums for a reason—it’s nearly invisible and almost impossible for a child or pet to dislodge.

Finally, teach boundaries where possible. Use gentle redirection for pets, and frame the sculpture as a special “look, don’t touch” object for children. Combine these strategies, and you’ll save your art—and your sanity.