evra
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by evra on Feb 25, 2011 3:47:58 GMT -8
I've got mixed feelings about the Victorian mount, sometimes it looks elegant and natural, other times it really doesn't. Some species don't hold their wings in the Victorian position at all. I actually did some similar arrangements Clark to yours. Yours looks good, but I was never a fan of putting plastic plants in with real butterflies, so I only used real dried plants in mine. The only problem I've ever really had with real plants was with the dried Eucalyptus. After a couple of years the oil from the leaves fogged up the glass on the inside, so I had to remove the dome and clean it. Here are a few pictures of two of the ones I've done and haven't given away.    With the glass dome off.  |
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Post by admin on Feb 25, 2011 11:22:24 GMT -8
Dried florals will fog up the glass, shed debris, and their colors will eventually fade. That's why I eventually phased them out of my artwork. It's OK if you haven't glued the dome to the base, but that would be risky because of pests. And if you do glue the dome to the base, how do you get it off without making an ugly mess? You see the problem. Here is another of my pieces using artificial orchids and real wood (treated). Notice the butterfly on the bottom in the flat resting position. Notice the position of the top wings. This is the way live Papilios hold their wings in real life when resting. Thus the rationale for Victorian style mounting. Attachments:
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evra
Full Member
Posts: 230
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Post by evra on Feb 25, 2011 12:57:30 GMT -8
I've actually not had any of those problems you've mentioned, and some are at least 15 years old. I've sealed them with silicone caulking, unsealed, and resealed them without a problem.
Everything fades, especially the butterflies, if you leave it in direct sunlight.
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Post by papilio28570 on Feb 26, 2011 15:57:39 GMT -8
I think the butterflies and foliage go well, but I am not a fan of adding flowers or other colorful items to a display because they compete with the butterfly for the attention of the viewer. But, as the old adage goes, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Additionally, from a business standpoint, it is near impossible to ship these items through the mail or other delivery system like UPS or FedEx without substantial damage.
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Post by admin on Feb 27, 2011 11:07:03 GMT -8
Additionally, from a business standpoint, it is near impossible to ship these items through the mail or other delivery system like UPS or FedEx without substantial damage. Right. When I was in the business we had to shrink wrap the items to ensure the glass was held firmly in place (even though the glass was glued in place already). Then we packed at least 4 inches of foam rubber around each dome before placing in the outer shipping box. Not easy, but possible. The best way to sell these is at craft shows or insect shows. Put the price somewhere between retail and wholesale and you will do well. |
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