FINDING BEAUTY IN THE BONES: THE STORY BEHIND THE VULTURE'S COUSIN
Some stories are born out of necessity — a need to create when life takes a turn. That’s the case with The Vulture’s Cousin, an oddity business that merges gothic home décor with bone and insect artistry. Rooted in personal passion and a love for the macabre, The Vulture’s Cousin is more than just art — it’s a reclamation of creativity and individuality.
At Haunt, we get it. Creating something raw, honest, and unapologetic isn’t always easy, but it’s what makes it real. That’s why we’re proud to feature The Vulture’s Cousin, a fellow Bristol-based brand that’s unapologetically unique.
From Childcare to Curiosities
Sometimes, creativity comes from the most unexpected places. The Vulture’s Cousin wasn’t planned — it started with a single deer skull found on a hike. After 12 years working in childcare, the founder found herself rediscovering her passion for art when she embellished that skull and friends encouraged her to sell it. From there, the journey began — crafting embellished bones, crystallizing remains, and creating dried flower bone bouquets.
The journey eventually led to the world of entomology, turning bones and insects into gothic home décor. Today, The Vulture’s Cousin is known for crafting unique pieces that mix dark elegance with nature’s rawness. Whether it’s a framed butterfly or a bone suncatcher, every piece tells a story.
Oddities and Art: The Process Behind the Pieces
The Vulture’s Cousin is all about bringing forgotten remnants to life. The art is split into two main processes:
1. Entomology (Insects)
Sourced from sustainable programs, the insects are rehydrated, pinned, and framed. Backgrounds vary from dried flowers to hand-carved gothic symbols, creating a mix of nature and dark artistry.
2. Bone Work
Foraging bones from forests and wetlands across the UK, the process involves maceration, degreasing, and whitening. The bones then become part of gothic-inspired pieces — dried flower bouquets, wall hangers, and curio bottles. The entire process, from foraging to finishing, can take up to six months.
Finding Community and Acceptance
Putting work out there on social media hasn’t always been easy for Jordan. As someone who sometimes feels anxious about being public facing, finding like-minded creators at alternative markets made a real difference — a place where the art could truly speak for itself. Markets like Bristol Alternative Market, Ghoul Gang, and Hell on Earth provided a space where the weird and the wonderful are celebrated, not judged.
The Vulture’s Cousin Today
Recently, The Vulture’s Cousin launched a website, leading to a surge in orders — more than ever before. Custom pieces are particularly popular, with customers encouraged to reach out with their weirdest ideas.
Check out the website at The Vulture’s Cousin and explore the ever-changing selection of bone hangers, frames, and curiosity bottles. Support local artists and explore the darker side of creativity.
Follow Jordan's journey on Instagram: @thevulturescousin
Share this post
🕷️ LIKE WHAT YOU SEE?
Follow @hauntattire on Instagram for behind-the-scenes, new drops, and more.
Follow on Instagram