My name is Claire Schaffrath, and I create botanical castings inspired by the quiet beauty of nature.
Each piece begins with a walk — often with my golden retriever by my side — gathering wildflowers, plants, and cuttings from my garden, as well as from the beautiful hedgerows and meadows that surround my home in Jersey.
The Time Behind Each Piece
Each botanical casting is entirely unique and the result of hours of careful, hands-on work. From foraging and selecting each plant to pressing, casting, drying, framing, and finishing, the process can take 3 to 6 hours per piece — sometimes more for hand-painted or detailed compositions. I aim to preserve a fleeting moment in time, capturing the delicate forms and textures that nature so effortlessly creates.
The frames are handmade by my father, then individually painted, distressed, and sealed by me to complement the natural textures of each casting. No two are ever the same — every piece is a quiet collaboration between nature, time, and hand.
I create each piece in my garden shed — a calm space where I can escape the hectic pace of life.
From Nature to Art
These images offer a glimpse into the quiet, detailed work behind each botanical piece. From the initial stage of imprinting to the final resulting cast, each step is a gentle process that honours the delicate beauty of the plants and preserves them in time.
