Meet Jacqueline de la Fuente – the artist and sculptor behind De la Ja – Wrap

We’ve long admired Jacqueline de la Fuente‘s brand De la Jardin, so we are very proud to launch our first collection together – a series of nine miniature vase decorations, celebrating her iconic papier-mâché clay forms. Perfect for decorating your tree or home this Christmas. We sat down with Jacqueline to hear about her creative process, her inspirations and what she’s especially pleased about with this project.

Can you tell us about your brand and design philosophy?
De la Jardin is about celebrating imperfection and the beauty of handmade work. I’ve always been drawn to objects that feel lived with, and tactile – pieces that carry traces of the process and an honesty in how they’re made. I work with papier-mâché clay, made from discarded paper and card – bringing together art, craft and materiality to create sculptural vases and artworks that can be kept and cherished.

And what inspired you to start De la Jardin?
It all began quite organically around 2019. After having my son, I was craving a way to get back into the creative world and work with my hands again. I’ve always had an obsession with ceramics and objects, but at the time I couldn’t make it to a pottery studio. Curious to push the humble craft of papier-mâché further, I began sculpting with our household paper waste. The process became meditative – slow, intuitive, and grounded in touch – transforming discarded materials into bold, unexpected forms.

Prior to De la Jardin, what did you do? We read you were a textile designer and a baker.
Yes! I’ve been both a textile designer and a baker, though thankfully not at the same time. My love of tactility, pattern, and texture in my paper clay work definitely comes from my time in textiles. I specialised in weaving for interiors, which I found endlessly fascinating, and working in a design studio for commercial brands took me to many weaving mills. Seeing fabrics come to life was incredible, but it was also eye-opening to witness the waste – from discarded dyes to yarn scraps. That awareness of materials and sustainability has stayed with me and deeply influences my work today.

Where do you work from?
Like many creatives starting out, I began at my dining table – but as things grew, earlier this year we converted our garage into a studio. It’s still a work in progress, but I love the high ceiling, exposed beams, and the light that floods in when the doors are open. It’s also so nice to finally have all my work out on shelves – it helps me reflect and see how certain shapes and patterns evolve.

And what does a typical day look like?
No two days are the same – I might be making paper clay, sculpting, sanding, or painting. I usually start with a chai latte or herbal tea and dive straight in. With two kids, my studio hours can be short, and depending on deadlines, I’ll often head back in for a bit more work later in the afternoon.

We’d love to hear a bit about your creative/sculpting process…
It all starts with collecting paper and card waste – from packaging and cereal boxes, to egg cartons and magazines. I soak the paper in warm water for a day or two, then blend it into a pulp using an industrial paint mixer attached to a drill. Once I’ve squeezed out the excess water, I mix in ingredients like flour, glue, and a small amount of joint compound for strength – getting the right consistency is key. Each vase is then built in stages, allowing each part to air dry before adding the next. After sculpting, I lightly sand the surface so it’s smooth yet still shows traces of my hands. I finish with matte emulsion in earthy to vibrant tones – I love how the flatness of the paint highlights every imperfect texture.

“I love the idea of giving discarded materials a new life – transforming what’s overlooked into something that feels special and lasting.”

And what inspires your forms, and the strong aesthetic you've developed?
Inspiration comes from so many places – from my Filipino heritage, where simple brushstrokes are inspired by the Banaue rice fields, to the textures and rhythms of everyday life. I’m also drawn to places I’ve lived and those I dream of visiting. Mexico is high on my list – I’m so inspired by its bold use of colour and craft. Sometimes I do quick sketches, but mostly I just start sculpting and let things unfold naturally. Each piece captures a feeling or moment – spontaneous yet grounded.

We’re so proud of our collaboration together, and creating this series of ‘miniatures’ of your iconic vases, which can be used as Christmas tree ornaments. Are you pleased with them?
Thanks! It’s been such a fun experience and collaborating felt like such a natural fit – and yes, I’m so pleased with them! It’s been amazing to see my life-sized papier-mâché clay vases reimagined as these miniature ornaments. The team did such a beautiful job translating the texture and character of my original pieces into a smaller scale – they still have that same handmade feel, which I love. I hope people will be just as excited to have them hanging in their homes, especially over Christmas, but also beyond the season.

They’ve been handmade in India from ‘cotton mâché’, using shredded waste cotton from the fashion industry – which continues your focus of using sustainable materials. Where does your interest in materials come from?
Sustainability has always been at the heart of what I do – it’s not a trend thing for me, it’s something I am constantly working towards. My awareness of waste started back in my textile days before De la Jardin, seeing how much excess there was, and I’ve been conscious of materials ever since. I love the idea of giving discarded materials a new life – transforming what’s overlooked into something that feels special and lasting. Working with cotton mâché made from recycled fibres continues that story beautifully.

Finally, do you have a favourite career moment you're especially proud of?
Oh wow, that’s a tough one! There have been quite a few pinch-me moments since starting De la Jardin. One that really stands out was exhibiting my vases, wall art, and sculptures with Soho Home during London Craft Week two years ago. Seeing my pieces displayed in their space felt so special – watching people stop, look closely, and connect with the textures and layers of my work was honestly a bit surreal, one of those moments that reminds you why you create. And another huge highlight was when Camilla Walala reached out to do an art swap – a total dream, as I’ve admired her colourful work for so long.