Steps On How To Embed An Insect

So, let's pick out the round plastic mold that we want to use and measure the amount of plastic that we want to use (as stated above). I want to make a paper weight this time.


Small insects can be dryed easily. There are all kinds of ways of doing this without using alcohol. If you just catch your insect and immediately embed it in plastic without dealing with the water content problem then you will probably get silvering.


This time let's do it a little different. I want a blue bottom layer but I want the plastic on top of the bug to be clear. Remember that we are working backwards so our base layer has to be clear resin. Then the last layer that I pour will have to be blue.


Now, here is the trick. We are only going to embed half of our bug at a time. You don't want to place your bug on the hardened base layer just yet. If you do you will likely get air bubbles underneath it.


Pour a thin layer of liquid plastic into the mold on top of the base layer. Then carefully insert the bug upside down into the liquid resin being careful not to break it's wings, antennae, or legs. Carefully push the bug all the way to the bottom as it will have a tendency to float. Take the sharpened end of your pencil to work out the surface bubbles. You can also use a long sharp nail or an ice pick if you prefer. Use the eraser end of your pencil to work out any bubbles under the butterfly's wings. If you break off a leg or antennae or wing wait until the next pour to carefully fit it back on, letting the liquid resin help you hold it in place. You might have to use a pair of tweezers to help you move it around in the plastic.


So far, only half of the bug has been stuck to the plastic. That's what you want. The resin will put out a certain amount of heat while it is drying. This heat will also help dissipate any additional water moisture that might be inside of the bug. When this happens the moisture can escape through the upper end of the bug because it is not covered with plastic yet. This way you let the heat from the plastic resin work for you rather than against you. Let this set up for 4 hours or so. Mix some more resin and then cover the bug entirely with it. Work out any air bubbles that you may have.


Some embedders don't like to embed half of their bug at a time. Here is a tip if you want to embed it all at once. Use one or two drops less hardener here. This will allow the plastic to dry slower thus putting out less heat. The insect may have a tendency to slide or float in this layer so you need to check the casting frequently. It may harden off-centered if you don't correct it. If it does float off-centered then carefully take the eraser end of your pencil and move it back to center again. You can only do this if the plastic has not set up yet. If the plastic has set up then it is too late. You have to live with it because there is nothing that you can do.


Now it's time to pour our last and final layer. Let's add a few drops of blue coloring (pigment) to the liquid plastic that is in our paper cup. We add the coloring and stir it into the resin before we add the hardener. Then we add the hardener and stir it all up real good and then pour it into the mold. Let this dry for 48 hours or so. After you take your finished product out of the mold then you may want to cut a small circular amount of felt cloth and glue it to the bottom to make an attractive looking paper weight and conversation piece.

Kraig J. Rice. 2005. Plastic Embedding As A Hobby.