Insect Preservation Class - Melbourne

Rest in Pieces invites you to explore the fascinating world of Insect Preservation. 

You don’t need to have any previous entomology or insect preservation knowledge to take part in this workshop. The Rest in Pieces team will teach you basic insect anatomy while guiding you through the processes of rehydration, specimen repair, pinning techniques for beetles and butterflies/moths and you will learn how to display your specimens.

At the end of the workshop, you will walk away with four pinned practice specimens: one closed-winged stag beetle, one open-winged stage beetle and two butterflies, in addition to your choice of feature specimen of either a Ulysses butterfly, a Death's-head hawkmoth or a beetle, which will be displayed in a shadow box.  

Everything will be supplied on the day including all your insect specimens, tools, shadow box, an apron, lunch and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages so that you can sit back, relax and enjoy the day. (Note, alcoholic beverages are only available for students 18+).

Booking Instructions:

Please ensure you list your preference of feature specimen in the booking form.

What if you are feeling inspired and want to continue working on your new insect preservation skills in your own time? What if you want to complete another feature specimen?

--> When you register for the workshop, you can choose the workshop + take home kit.

Workshop + Take Home Kit contains:

• Your choice of feature specimen to work on - Ulysses butterfly, Death's-head hawkmoth or beetle
• Five additional practice butterflies and one additional practice beetle
• An additional shadow box
• A complete set of the same tools and materials needed for the workshop 
• A set of instructions, so you can follow the same process used in the workshop

We also have other merchandise available to complement your take home kit, packets of 10 mixed butterflies, shadow boxes, larger display cases and RIP aprons.

Flexible Payment Options:

To make life easier, you have the option to choose instalment billing at checkout. We recommend booking early so your payments are spread out.

Please note:

• If you are flying in for the workshop and want a take home kit, you will need to have checked luggage as sharp items will not be accepted in hand-luggage. 
• Make sure you notify us of any dietary requirements when you register.
• Unfortunately, our studio is not fully accessible for wheelchair users. Do you have other accessibility requirements? Please contact us before you register for any of our workshops to make sure we can make the necessary adjustments to give you a great experience.

Taxidermy - Taxis 'arrangement' + Derma 'skin'

Natalie Delaney-John has travelled far and wide to learn the art of taxidermy and has been mentored by some of the world's best and most awarded taxidermists. She is the proud founder of Rest in Pieces, which launched Australia's first taxidermy workshops, conducts talks, demonstrations and now sells DIY kits so that you can learn this beautiful art in the comfort of your own home.

Since 2016, the Rest in Pieces team has expanded further into the 'dying arts', offering new classes and workshops aimed at preserving and presenting natural specimens.