This comprehensive beginner's course covers all essential knowledge for preparing arachnid and insect specimens. You'll learn proper harvesting and drying procedures for specimens, techniques for rehydrating dried specimens, careful handling methods, spreading and mounting approaches, precise posing strategies, and professional display and maintenance practices. The course also addresses archival material selection to ensure long-term specimen preservation and integrity. This is an ideal introduction for anyone interested in natural history preservation, entomology, or creating professional-quality specimen displays.
Throughout the class, you'll construct and maintain your own rehydration chamber while learning what to observe during each preparation stage to achieve clean, successful results. Instructors will share gentle handling techniques and demonstrate how to properly select and use high-quality archival materials that protect your specimens from deterioration over time. You'll understand the science behind preservation and the importance of proper environmental conditions for specimen longevity.
For consistency and ease of instruction, all students work with the same species during class: the orb weaver spider. This spider will be mounted in a custom habitat display dome that you'll design using natural materials, including rocks, branches, moss, and foliage. The naturalistic setting creates an engaging, lifelike presentation. After several days of drying at home, you'll have a beautiful completed display ready for exhibition. Additionally, you'll select a take-home insect specimen from an available assortment to continue practicing your new skills independently, reinforcing the techniques you've learned. The course covers plant preservation methods, discussing the careful balance required to maintain botanical elements, and demonstrates appropriate adhesives and mounting techniques that preserve specimen integrity.
What You'll Take Home:
- A custom-designed glass dome display featuring an orb weaver spider in a naturalistic habitat
- An insect specimen for independent practice and experimentation at home
- Comprehensive knowledge and skills to create your own professional-quality taxidermy pieces in the future
Important Details and Class Information:
- The class takes place at a private studio in Brooklyn, New York, near 25th Street and 3rd Avenue. Exact location details will be emailed after ticket purchase.
- The studio is a working taxidermy workspace located in a three-floor walk-up building. Please wear comfortable, practical clothing that you don't mind getting dust on.
- This class involves sharp tools and detailed precision work. Please wear closed-toe footwear at all times. Taxidermy requires sculpting, sewing, and other precise artistic work. If you need glasses or other visual aids for detailed tasks, please bring them to ensure you can work comfortably.
- All specimens used in this course are legally and sustainably sourced from ethical suppliers. No animals are harmed for the purpose of taxidermy practice.
- You're welcome to bring personal props, adornments, or decorative items to incorporate into your mount for customization. However, please do not bring your own raw specimens to the class.
