How to Mount a Butterfly in a Shadow Box

Instructions

• 1

  First of all, you have to take the damp paper towels and the plastic container. Then, put the towels on the bottom of the container.
• 2

  After that, pour antiseptic mouthwash into the plastic container. Don’t pour more than a cap. The antiseptic will help to keep the mold from making foam on the butterfly.
• 3

  Now, cut the wire with the help of scissors in order to mesh it well with the container. Then, place the wire at the top of the towels so as to hang the butterfly up from the dampness.
• 4

  Take the butterfly and put it in the container. Tighten the lid to make it airtight. Place it aside for few days. After three to four days, check the butterfly in the plastic container. Pick the butterfly with the help of tweezers and squeeze it gently. If the thorax is supple, it means butterfly is ready to mount in the shadow box.
• 5

  Then, take a knife and cut a square piece of foam board which can contain a butterfly on it. Fit the piece of foam board inside the shadow box.
• 6

  Now, take wax paper and cut four strips with scissors. All the strips must be 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. Insert the pin in the butterfly. You have to be extremely careful while inserting the pin as it may damage the wings. Then, place it in the shadow box and cover the wings of the butterfly with the strips of the wax paper. Put pins on the wax paper so that it may stick well on the box.
• 7

  Put a pin to hold the antenna of the butterfly and keep the box aside for around a week. Then, remove all the pins from the foam board. Apply glue at the back of the board and display it on any wall.