This listing is for consideration by K. S. only:

The diorama housed in a vintage cerulean wooden blue box and has been decoupaged with a wave motif paper from the John Derian Gift Wrap Book. The underwater Pacific Northwest scene is set by the needle felted sea otter swimming playfully underwater holding a smooth stone—its tool for opening mollusks including abalone—as well as purple urchins, sea stars, each exemplified in the diorama. Bull kelp floats in the water pulled by the movement of the waves. Foraged smooth coastal rocks complete the scene. Sea otters play an important role in the health of vital kelp forests by eating the urchins that would otherwise devastate them.

The sea otter has a wire armature and a solid wool core. It is suspended by a discreet wire from behind into the box. Its fur is a custom blend of mohair, dorset, and corriedale fibers. The eyes are faceted glass beads. The whiskers are horsehair. The sea stars are wire wrapped with wool and are accented by iridescent glass beads. The purple urchins are made with wool thread. The bull kelp is also wire wrapped with wool thread and needle felted wool. Abalone is represented by the clients single earring pendant, the mate of which is long lost.

The box measures 7.5 inches wide, 6.5 inches tall, and three inches deep. Signed and dated on reverse.

This is not a toy. Keep out of reach of young children and pets. Avoid display in direct sunlight.