Every insect carries a story written in color and form: metallic beetles like living jewels, dragonflies with lace-like wings, and beetles shaped like miniature sculptures.

When arranged in a wooden frame, they transform into a gallery of nature’s finest designs.

Looking at them feels like peering into a cabinet of curiosities. It’s a collection that tells of fields, forests, and nights under the glow of porch lights.

Materials Needed

• Shadow box or wooden display frame (12”×12” or larger, depending on collection)
• Collection of preserved insects (butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, etc.)
• Insect pins or archival-safe glue
• Foam or mounting board
• Small forceps or tweezers
• Optional: labels or handwritten notes

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Begin with properly preserved insects. If you’re new to collecting, many suppliers offer ethically sourced specimens.

Step 2: Choose a frame or shadow box deep enough to accommodate the insects without crushing wings or legs.

A white or neutral background works best for showcasing colors.

Step 3: Plan your layout. Then place larger insects toward the edges or corners and smaller ones in clusters to create balance.

Step 4: Use insect pins to secure each specimen onto the mounting board, or apply archival-safe glue sparingly if you prefer a cleaner look.

Step 5: Once secured, place the board into the frame. Make sure there’s enough space so the glass doesn’t press down on the insects.

Step 6: Add labels beneath each specimen if you’d like to identify species or note collection dates.

Step 7: Display your framed collection somewhere it can be admired but safe from direct sunlight, which can fade colors over time.

Tips:

When I first saw a framed beetle display, I realized how much they resembled gemstones such as emerald greens, sapphire blues, and golden bronzes.

Treating them as art makes the collection not only fascinating but also unexpectedly beautiful.