Pinning

[D_Hemptress]

So i was recently thinking about possibly drying out a deadleaf once he dies... i usually just get rid of them once they pass, but i really like the way this one looks. i was wondering if anyone has some recommendations on how to do it... my idea is to pin it so that it dries out, then move it into some sort of photo album or something so i can possibly start a collection. im worried that it may not be a good idea to put in a album like that after... what do you guys think?

 

[Scruffy Aphid Herder]

I pinned mine in a position and let it dry out as an experiment. Honestly drying it out would have to basically require you to frame it because it's so delicate that any pressure on it will damage it.

Check out this thread I started on the subject.

http://mantidforum.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=30173

 

[D_Hemptress]

i was thinking like drying it out and pressing how you would a flower, is that a bad idea?

 

[Introvertebrate]

I would put it in its final display position while its still hydrated. Once they're dried out, they're very brittle.

 

[D_Hemptress]

i was given this idea... and its perfect

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/cast-resin-paperweights-coasters-a-tutorial.html

 

[Rick]

I use a sheet of styrofoam. I put one insect pin through the mantis center to hold it down. I then use a lot of insect pins to position it how I want. Once I get it in position I cover it with a paper towel to block light and set it aside somewhere where it can't be disturbed and wait. Once it dries I remove all but the center pin and place it in the case.

 

[Scruffy Aphid Herder]

i was given this idea... and its perfect

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/cast-resin-paperweights-coasters-a-tutorial.html

This is very interesting. To do this you'd need a big enough mold to put it in; (in length and height).

Then pin it flat or in a position (again,depending on the mold LxH). And wait for it to dry out then do it. But you have to very careful not to break off any of the limbs.

 

[sally]

i was given this idea... and its perfect

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/cast-resin-paperweights-coasters-a-tutorial.html

Aychen222 did one for me it turned out beautiful!

 

[D_Hemptress]

Aychen222 did one for me it turned out beautiful!

would you mind sharing a picture of it?

 

[sally]

I will post a pic later

 

[D_Hemptress]

I will post a pic later

awesome, thank you!

 

[Sticky]

i was given this idea... and its perfect

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/cast-resin-paperweights-coasters-a-tutorial.html

That is cool! I have to try that.

 

[DanielMTLe]

i was given this idea... and its perfect

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/03/cast-resin-paperweights-coasters-a-tutorial.html

I've done this with a couple bugs, so i'm no expert. I would just advise you to do it in a very, very well ventilated area as the fumes from the resin are highly toxic and unpleasant. Other than the safety concerns, it's a a really neat process. also you may want to practice pouring. I find that keeping air bubbles from happening is difficult and you wouldn't want to make a mess of your only try with your specimen.

 

[fleurdejoo]

I was looking into pinning a while back but with the bigger ones you have to scoop the guts out.

I don't know if I'm up for that. Especially with my babies!

 

[Rick]

I was looking into pinning a while back but with the bigger ones you have to scoop the guts out.

I don't know if I'm up for that. Especially with my babies!

You don't HAVE to. I didn't for a long time, it just takes them longer to dry out. Now I am trying to place mine under a tightly stretched plastic sheet to hold them down instead of pins. I bought some like that and I liked how flat they were compared to my pinning.

 

[devetaki9]

Resin is an incredible media and I have pondered doing that with some of mine

 

[D_Hemptress]

Resin is an incredible media and I have pondered doing that with some of mine

i just purchased some molds. now i just need to practice while my little dead mantids dry out

 

[D_Hemptress]

alrighty, i have a question!

is it normal for a bug to smell after its been pinned and is drying out? or have i done something wrong?

also ive noticed one losing its color and turning brown, help please