Insect Pinning: Standard

Before you begin, you must first find your tiny muses. Many beginners start with butterflies and moths because of their delicate beauty, but beetles, dragonflies, and other insects may also be preserved.

• Sustainable Sources: Seek out insects that have already lived their full lives—found gently resting on windowsills, in the garden after the rain, or from ethical suppliers online.
• A Gentle Reminder: Never take more than you need, and honor each insect as a piece of nature’s fleeting artistry.

A few humble instruments will help you on your way:

• Insect pins (slender, rust-resistant)
• Forceps or fine tweezers
• Spreading board or pinning board (a soft surface for pinning)
• Paper strips or glass slides (for holding wings in place while drying)
• Patience (the most important tool of all)

Insects that have dried too stiff must be softened before they can be pinned. This is done with a rehydration chamber—a simple container lined with damp paper towel or sponge. A drop of vodka on the towel can help deter mold while easing relaxation. After 12–48 hours (depending on the specimen’s size), the insect will be supple enough for arranging.

Now comes the artistry. Place a pin through the insect’s thorax, slightly off center so as not to damage vital structures. Arrange the wings:

• With Paper Strips: Lay narrow strips across the wings, secured with extra pins, to keep them flat while drying.
• With Glass Slides: For a clearer view and cleaner finish, glass slides may be used instead of paper. They hold wings in place while allowing you to admire the patterns beneath.

Legs and antennae may be gently arranged with pins until they dry into elegant positions.

Pinned insects must dry completely before being removed from the board—usually 1–2 weeks. During this time, keep them safe from humidity, pests, and curious cats.

Once dry, your insect is ready for display. You may choose:

• Scientific Style: Precise symmetry, wings spread evenly, labeled with name and date.
• Artistic Style: Arranged in shadowboxes, under domes, or in imaginative compositions.

Each insect becomes a preserved moment of natural wonder—a delicate story stilled in time.

Keep your pinned insects in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Cedar chips, silica packets, or even tiny mothballs can help protect them from pests. With proper care, your collection may last generations, each specimen a whisper of nature’s fleeting beauty.