If subtle-spooky is more your Halloween decor vibe, you’ll love this simple DIY gilded taxidermy. It has just a hint of creepy—you could even leave it up all year long! All you need are a handful of supplies and an hour or so for this quick and fun craft.
I originally came across this DIY from The Gathered Home and was inspired to make my own. All credit goes to Brynne for the idea!
Faux Taxidermy Supplies
- Wood plaques (I used 5×5″, 5×7″ and 5.5×4.75″)
- Plastic insects/creatures (I used these and these)
- Black spray paint
- Hot glue or superglue
- Command strips
First, spray paint everything black. You can use regular paint for the plaques if you’d prefer, but spray paint is a lot easier with the critters.
Once everything is dry, use a small brush to apply gold Rub n Buff to the creatures. I used Gold Leaf, but any of the golds would work.
You could use gold spray paint if necessary, but it won’t have the same dimensional gilded effect as layering black + Rub n Buff.
Next, simply glue the bugs to the plaques. I used hot glue, but superglue/quick dry epoxy would work just as well.
I used command picture strips to hang them on our wall.
So fun, right? It’s a unique way to fill an empty space on your wall. You could make this a more scientific-looking display with butterflies, bees, ladybugs etc—and paint or stain the plaques a different color. I’d leave it up year round!
And that concludes my Halloween how-to series for this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed all of the spooky fun over the last few weeks!
Hurricane Milton will hit us tonight and we could be dealing with the aftermath for a while, so this blog may be silent for a few weeks. I’ll be sharing updates in my Instagram stories as I’m able to for anyone who wants to check in. Please keep us in your thoughts ❤
Ivory says
This is Brilliant thanks for sharing. I’d love this ideal and plan to use it.
Jenna Sue says
So glad you like it, Ivory!
Victoria says
Here’s hoping that you’re not too badly hit.
It seems rude to ask a question given what you’re going through, but I was wondering about you using command strips on wallpaper. Does that work? Maybe only for light things? I thought it had to be a plaster wall to stick to.
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Victoria, we are safe and all is well! As long as the wallpaper is good quality, the strips should do just fine. I think it would be even safer than paint, personally!
Pam says
Such a creative craft, thank you! And what is the gorgeous wallpaper?
Jenna Sue says
Thanks Pam! You can find the sources linked here: https://www.jennasuedesign.com/shop/heights-house/powder-bath/
Sindy says
Ditto to Barb! Praying for you and your family.
(PS Some of the hot glue strands left on the buggies look like cobwebs and even more spooky :)!)
Jenna Sue says
Ah you’re right, I didnt even think of that! And thank you for thinking of us. Feeling much better after the latest track updates!
Barb says
I hope you and your beautiful family stays safe. It’s heartbreaking to see Florida battered yet again. 😢
Jenna Sue says
Thank you, Barb! The track has moved south and we are no longer a direct hit, thankfully 🙏