https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/bug-display-case • Posted by DarkAshHurts
This is how to turn a flat shadow-box into a Bug Display Case! (for pinned bugs ONLY)...if u like bug collecting, this is 3 times cheaper then buying a premade display box. & twice as sturdy! ;) My 1st box got full (thats the black one in the pic), so i decided to make this tutorial when i got a new bigger one. Both shadow-boxes i got 50% off at craft stores (theyre ALWAYS On Sale!!!). Everything else was basically free for this project. $8.25 in all!! (for big display)
This is how to turn a flat shadow-box into a Bug Display Case! (for pinned bugs ONLY)...if u like bug collecting, this is 3 times cheaper then buying a premade display box. & twice as sturdy! ;) My 1st box got full (thats the black one in the pic), so i decided to make this tutorial when i got a new bigger one. Both shadow-boxes i got 50% off at craft stores (theyre ALWAYS On Sale!!!). Everything else was basically free for this project. $8.25 in all!! (for big display)
Remove the backside of the shadow box; set top part aside. . (Mine had a picture glued to it, i had to rip off. Make sure you buy a frame with a "pull-tab" on the back also ...or theyll be extremely difficult to open.)
Measure & cut a piece of cardboard from a box, so that it fits just inside the back-board ...leaving little space all around (mines about a 1/4 in from edge).
Hot Glue the cardboard down well, evenly spaced around.
Cut a piece of felt about same size as cardboard. . (You will use this to stretch overtop the cardboard, kinda like a canvas)
Glue down the felt across the top of the back-board (above the cardboard) very well. Hold down to dry. ...u might burn your fingers. :/
Grab the opposite end of the felt, and tightly stretch it down to the bottom edge. Glue it down also. ...its okay if it overlaps the back-board, your gonna cut it off later. As long as its tight. . (It helps to glue down the middle first, to hold the stretch, then glue rest)
Repeat for other sides ...making it as flat & tight as possible.
Cut off excess felt hanging over edge.
And your done! <--- Should look like this
VERY carefully pin your bugs to it, pushing it all the way thru into the cardboard. And carefully place it back in the frame, & display on wall!! . . The cardboard & felt hold the pin VERY firmly & secure, so ur bugs dont move or wobble at all ...unlike most displays. It does take some force to get the pin thru cardboard, so id practice first before trying one with a bug on it.