Skip to Content

DIY Golden Insect Taxidermy Plaques

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

By now I’ve preached time and again about how my favorite kind of Halloween decorations are those that are slightly spooky, dark and a bit glam in a goth kind of way. I think a few touches of something slightly off, a mix of metallics and lots of black can really set the scene without having to get too carried away with things. Recently I made these cool DIY taxidermy plaques, inspired by a candle I spied at Target that was black and covered in golden beetles, and my love of insect taxidermy cases and mounts. (Also, by “love” I also mean fear in equal parts. They’re so creepy!) The supplies are few, the steps are simple and the results are especially awesome.

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

supplies2-600x24

  • Wooden plaques
  • Black spray paint (matte or chalkboard paint)
  • Plastic bugs or insects
  • Gold liquid leaf
  • E600 or similar
  • Paint brush
  • Sawtooth picture frame hangers

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

Begin by spray painting each of your wooden plaques with several light, thin coats of black spray paint. Be sure to choose a paint with a flat or matte finish. (Chalkboard spray paint would work great!) In between coats, give each of your insects a coat of liquid leaf. Keep in mind that unlike paint, the liquid leaf is oil-based and therefore quite strong in smell so you’ll want to work in a well ventilated space. One coat should cover your insects with the exception of a few touch-ups here and there. Once your plaques are completely dry, use a small hammer to attach a sawtooth picture hanger to the back of each one. Then flip it back over and attach a bug to each plaque using E6000. (Which, incidentally, is also heavy in the fume department so be sure to keep those windows open while you’re attaching your bugs!) Then simply hang on the wall and you’ve got instant Halloween party vibes going on!

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

DIY Taxidermy Plaques | Halloween ideas, Halloween decorations and Halloween party ideas from @cydconverse

post-line-before-credits

[Art direction + styling by Cyd Converse | Photos by Alice G. Patterson for The Sweetest Occasion.]

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Julia

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

Wow I would have never thought that bugs could look so chic! What a great, simple decor idea for the holidays.

Cyd Converse

Thursday 27th of October 2016

Hahaha I agree - thanks, Julia! xo

My Little Crafty Life

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

How beautiful!

Cynthia

Wednesday 26th of October 2016

Halloween is so creepy! I love those taxidermy insect plaques - simple and statement-making.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.