What kind of packaging do you use to ensure a craft sculpture survives the mail without shifting?

Great question! Ensuring a craft sculpture doesn’t shift during shipping is all about creating a custom nest that locks every part in place. First, I never rely on loose filler like packing peanuts alone—instead, I use a multilayered approach.

For smaller sculptures, I start with acid-free tissue paper to protect delicate surfaces. Then I wrap the piece in a few layers of bubble wrap, making sure to tape it snugly but not too tight. The key is to use custom-cut foam inserts or polyurethane foam that molds around the contours of the sculpture. I’ll place the wrapped sculpture into a rigid inner box, surrounded by at least 2 inches of foam on all sides. That inner box then goes into a larger outer box, with at least 3 inches of space filled with more foam or crumpled kraft paper to absorb shocks.

For larger or more fragile pieces, I also add corner braces and foam blocks to prevent any horizontal or vertical shifting. I always seal both boxes with strong packing tape and label them “FRAGILE” on all sides. Additionally, I include a note inside the inner box with the recipient’s contact info in case the outer label tears. Finally, I test-shake the box gently before sealing: if I hear or feel any movement, I add more padding. This method has kept even the most intricate ceramic and mixed-media sculptures safe across thousands of miles!