FAQs

Where do I source my specimen?

My butterflies are either locally collected or purchased online through reputable sellers. I do my best to vet my sources and look for licensed & ethical sellers. Most of these butterflies are from Butterfly Farms in tropical regions.

Butterfly Farms are places where butterflies can be raised in protection, providing conservation, education and local economy benefits.

Butterflies can live out their lives there and once they pass, can be collected. They are sent to me with their wings folded (naturally occurring when they die).

How do you preserve them?

Once I receive them, they are “rehydrated” to allow their wings to bend and move again and then they are pinned in place using a special pinning board and other tools. Once they dry their wings stay in place. They are then mounted using a bug safe glue and framed! Most butterflies will last decades like this.

Some specimens are repaired and or treated with household chemicals to make them look their best.

To ensure longevity of your butterfly art keep it away from high humidity and direct sunlight. A small desiccant pack is included in the back of my frames and acid free materials are used.

The decoupage backgrounds and frames are made by me from old dictionary pages using an archival, acid-free glue.

The Pinning Processes