Laboratory Insect Specimens

$10 - $15 (based on 2020 prices)

Makes three framed specimens 

 

To reduce the level of gore and provide variety to the laboratory, I created several props that showcased experiments which were not human. In this version, I used labels printed in a bevy of colors and small, metal items like paperclips and safety pins to give the props more textural elements and add to their visual appeal.

• Three 8” x 10” frames
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat black*
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in flat brown*
• One 10 oz. can of interior/exterior, fast-drying spray paint in metallic silver*
• Four sheets of colored paper (brown, gray, white, and yellow) with specimen labels printed on them
• One 2 oz. bottle of acrylic paint in flat white*
• One 4 oz. bottle of all-purpose tacky glue*
• Three metal paperclips
• Three metal safety pins
• One roll of blue painter’s tape
• Three plastic insects or animal skeletons in various sizes
• One 8 oz. can of oil-based interior wood stain in Jacobean*

1. Remove the backings and any glass from the frames and, on a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, apply two even coats of silver spray paint. Although I used two coats, you may want more or less depending on your desired coverage.

2. To add a uniform level of age and distress, dust the frames with a light coat of black and brown spray paint. You can also apply a flecking of black paint and smears of brown to enhance the weathered appearance.

3. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, give each of the backings an even coat of black spray paint. For the time-pressed haunter, you can alternatively glue a sheet of black cardstock to each backing.

4. Cut out the labels from the paper, arrange them on the backings, and glue them in place. As you do so, make sure you leave ample room for the specimens. Also, for visual interest, I used painter’s tape, paper clips, and safety pins to attach and skewer the times (glue everything in place to prevent the props from falling apart). Additionally, write the specimens’ names and genders on the backings with white paint.

5. On a newspaper-lined surface in a well-ventilated area, stain the specimens. I began by giving each one a light, even coat with a foam brush. After that, I applied heavy amounts of stain and patted away the excess with paper towels. You want the color to build up in the cracks and fissures. Although you may use whatever color of stain you desire, I chose Jacobean because it gives the bones and insects an old, rotted appearance. Once you have achieved your intended look, allow the specimens to dry. I let mine sit outside in the sun for three days.

6. Center the specimens on the backings with their corresponding labels and glue them in place. For a sturdier hold, consider using superglue.

7. Attach the frames to the backings. For added support, glue the backings in place, particularly if you plan to display these in windy conditions. If the frames did not come with hanging hooks, you can add store-bought items to the backs or fashion your own with steel wire.

*You will not use the entire bottle’s content for this project.