My new...If slightly deranged new hobbie?

Well hello there!

This post isn't a review, nor a tutorial, but basically just me documenting how insanely proud I am for accomplishing this slightly insane task. But over the last month I have been preparing a dried butterfly for framing, and I've loved every minute of it!

For a little bit of back story as to why I would ever decide to do this. My boyfriend loves all things nature and I had got him some ready to mount butterflies for his birthday a year or so ago, but sadly when we moved out of our flat they broke. So of course...I decided it would be nice to prepare and mount one of the butterfly breeds that got damaged all by myself. I'm all about the DIY at the moment!

The butterfly arrived in a state called 'Papered' which meant it had to be 'Rested'. A process which involves leaving the specimen in a moist environment for 1-3 days to allow it to rehydrate and become workable. Otherwise the butterfly will be far too fragile to work with.

Post Resting. As you can see the wings have started to relax and come away from the body.

After stretching the wings out, they should be pinned in place using strips of tracing paper which folds the wings flat without damaging them. The butterfly should then be left in a safe warm place and allowed to dehydrate again for at least one week (depending on the size of the specimen). I had to leave mine for almost 2 weeks.

Post Drying.

Set in the frame mount. This is by far the scariest moment as the specimen is now dried and has become fragile again. But once the butterfly has been secured into the mount. Congratulations! You have your own mounted butterfly!

If you would like to give this process a go:

            I use an amazing Online Insect breeder : Lepidoptera Breeders Association

                      They provide a wide range of butterflies and moths as well as beetle specimens in both live                                         and dried form. So if you're feeling creative, check them out!

            For a full tutorial on how to get your head around this process: The Insect Company

                      Simple step by step guide through all of the stages. One tip from me though, make sure you                                     have all your supplies BEFORE you start the process.

            For the frames (which I had searched for for AGES): IKEA of all bloody places!

            Any of the equipment or materials you need can be found on Amazon.

I hope you've enjoyed this post as much as I have.

H xx