13. Metallic Insect Taxidermy Displays
Taxidermy displays have a wonderful, dark-academic vibe that fits perfectly with Halloween decor. For this cruelty-free craft, you will need cheap plastic toy insects—think beetles, scorpions, spiders, and dragonflies. Start by painting these plastic bugs with a primer, then apply high-quality metallic spray paint in bright gold, copper, or antique bronze. The metallic finish instantly elevates the cheap plastic, making the insects look like expensive brass sculptures.
Once dry, mount the metallic insects inside deep shadow boxes. Cut pieces of black velvet, dark linen, or vintage book pages to use as the background for your frames. Use a small dab of hot glue to secure each insect to the center of the fabric. You can add small printed labels with mock scientific names underneath each specimen. Group three or four of these shadow boxes together on a wall for a sophisticated, museum-like display.