It’s Tough to Be a Bug!

inspired by the much-loved attraction hidden within the roots of a giant tree, this handcrafted carving celebrates the colourful world of insects from a bug’s-eye perspective. Layered leaves form the backdrop for the theatre-style sign, while playful insect details emerge from every corner of the piece. Perched on a vibrant autumn leaf, a cheerful blue ant welcomes guests to the show, capturing the fun, energy, and charm of the original attraction. Designed to recreate the feeling of discovering a hidden woodland theatre, the piece combines bold colours, layered carving, and hand-painted details to create a playful tribute to one of the most memorable experiences in the park.
Crafted From: Oak, Acrylic Paint

How it's made

The design begins as a custom relief carving, with each leaf, insect, letter, and decorative element individually sculpted to create depth and dimension throughout the artwork. Using CNC carving technology, the layered foliage and theatre sign are carved from wood before being refined and detailed by hand.

After carving, the piece is carefully sealed and hand-painted using multiple layers of acrylic paints, washes, and highlighting techniques. The leaves are painted in varying shades of green to create depth and a natural woodland feel, while the lettering and insect details are individually highlighted to stand out against the background. The character and decorative insects are then hand-finished to bring personality and movement to the composition.

Once complete, the artwork is protected with a durable clear finish, resulting in a handcrafted display piece that combines woodworking, carving, painting, and storytelling into a colourful celebration of nature, imagination, and adventure.