Preserving a Spider's Web...

I have received instructions for preserving a Spider's Web
a couple of times this week (most recently from the
Nordic Needle Newsletter) and they all reference the same website...

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Kids Krafts website.
(Click on the link to go and see it for yourself. I live in Texas but I'm
pretty impressed with the West Virginia DNR website.)

Since it will be Halloween before too long (where is this year going?)
I thought I would pass it on...

These are their instructions they give for preserving a real spider's web
(with a few modifications by me):


Things you need to get started:

• sheet of black card stock or construction paper
• can of hair spray or spray adhesive
• can of white, silver or gold spray paint or talcum powder
• can of spray varnish or fixatif
• cardboard box large enough for the paper to fit in

First find a few spider webs in a meadow or bushes or in between tree branches. This should be relatively easy since spiders usually build a new one every day. The following procedure can be a bit tricky and will need a bit of practice so it’s good to find several webs. First, make sure the web is not being used by its builder. You can gently tap the web and check to see if the occupant is home or look around the edges for the spider.

Gently spray the web with gold, silver or white spray paint. Hold the box behind the web to protect and collect any spray not hitting the web. Make sure the spray does not damage the web but only covers it with paint.

Another method not using paint, is to gently sprinkle the web with talcum powder by pouring some powder on your palm and blowing it onto the web.

Place the black paper in the box and spray it with hair spray or spray adhesive. You’ll have to act quickly since the spray dries quickly. The most difficult part is next and will usually require a bit of practice so don't be disappointed if your first tries wind up a bit twisted and distorted. Practice makes perfect.

Place the sprayed tacky piece of paper behind the web and gently bring it into contact with the web evenly. Try to
get all of the web touching the paper at the same time so the web isn't pulled out of shape or folded on to itself.

Carefully cut the strands of the web supporting it from its surrounding vegetation.

Finally, to preserve the web, spray the paper with the attached web with a protective coat of varnish. Make sure all spraying is done in the cardboard box to protect the adjacent area.

Now display your lovely web where ever you choose.

Make sure you check out their website for the other cool ideas they have posted!!

Enjoy!

xoxox

Csmoferret