Pinning in the Groove
by Clark Thompson
Spreading Butterflies: Step 4. Pin the butterfly in the groove of the spreading board. If you are using an adjustable board, set the appropriate width of the groove securely before starting. For the larger moths, a drooping abdomen can be propped up with tissue, or, if the abdomen has been removed, it can be glued on once the thorax and abdomen have dried.Try to pin the butterfly in the exact center of the groove. Important for getting an attractive finished product is that the angle of the pin be at 90 degrees (perpendicular) with the vertical axis and the horizontal axis of the board. Try to get this right before you proceed. You can't change angle of the pin in the middle of the pinning process without de-pinning and starting over again. Finally, test the wings with forceps to make sure they are flush with the pinning surfaces of the board. Make a final height adjustment, if necessary. Now you are ready to position the wings in the next steps. |