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Q: Are your animals and insect specimens real?
A: 90%ish of my specimens are real. There are few times when i will not have some sort of real specimen in/on the art piece. for example, i am low on real skulls and may use a clay one, however it will always be in the listing.
Q: what does “Sustainably or Ethically sourced” mean?
a: Though this is a broad term, it means i am not Harming any creature to do what i do. i may find bones while foraging in the woods but the animals have already passed. i do not currently deal in preserving roadkill, though i appreciate those that can give those creatures a second life. my specimens come from friends that raise insects as well loved pets, from nature walks (both myself and others) that find the specimens after they have already passed, and one insect farm whose focus is to help rebuild and maintain insect populations globally.
Q: i want to preserve my wedding Bouquet in a piece, how do i do that?
A: i would recommend shipping before it dries out as it will remain Malleable for a short time. if you would like to dry it out first, start by taking that bouquet and allowing it to dry out either upside down or laying flat on its side, keeping it all together in the bundle. then i would have you ship to me, and i would begin the process of either drying it out or put in an agreed terrarium/frame design as mentioned in the “customer order” question.
Q: Do you have a store front i can visit?
A: Not at this time. i am focusing on my online store, though following me on instagram will also keep you up to date on the vendor events i will attend in person (mostly tattoo expos and craft fairs).
Q: where do you get your frames and terrariums? where do you get your other supplies?
A: all over the place! i like to mostly frequent thrift stores and antiques stores as i intend to recycle wherever possible. i also find a lot of my vintage frames from eBay, facebook marketplace and garage sales. as for things like glue, moss, flower, etc. i find most of the excess things from local flower shops, friends gardens and craft stores. i mostly shop michaels and joann’s for things like moss and pre-dried flowers though i have found some things from amazon.
Q: why does my basic shadowbox frame have small indents or imperfections?
A: So far, all of my Basic shadowbox Frames are from local thrift stores, so they are second hand. i like to add bronze, silver and gold accents to them with a fabric background, but the frame itself has been previously loved. this helps me keep the cost of these framed specimens lower to be more attainable for all.
Q: where do you get your skulls and bones?
A: I have sourced some skulls off of etsy, some are found while hiking and i have one contact who hunts animals as a means of protecting livestock. i find beauty in giving each creature a second life.
Q: If I find any kind of bug or animal, do you want it?
A: Some! though i would recommend researching the species as some are protected and illegal to keep. for example, hummingbirds and tigers cannot have any part of them saved or worked with. they must remain where found, dead or alive (especially alive).
Q: if i want a custom piece, can you give me a general idea of the process of ordering one?
a: thank you for asking! i am still fairly new at this, so you’ll have to bare with me. I would begin by asking what the specimen you are wanting to adopt is, what kind of casing (frame or terrarium) and what is the budget i need to be respectful of. there will be follow up questions about what kind of colors or vibe you want me to lean into, though after given that general idea i will let creative juices juice. my goal after completing every piece is to be okay with keeping it on my wall if anything happens to this business. so i want to be proud of the piece that goes home with you.
Q: i want to preserve my deceased pets bones/skull and send to you to make something with for me. how do i do that?
A: This is going to be a long process! I am still in the learning phase of cleaning and preserving skulls. so starting out, we would begin the process of having you (or someone you trust) clean and preserve the fur-baby and once skin and intestines and things are removed, you would prepare them and ship them my way. we would discuss the process of a custom piece and get your loved one (Animals only) preserved forever!
Q: are you interested in trades?
A: broad answer, yes! I am open to trading, especially for other pieces of art. i definitely lean towards paintings, daggers, swords, taxidermy, etc. though i will not trade tattoos as my best friend is my tattoo artist and i am not a cheater *insert shrug*.
Q: are you offering pinning classes?
A: not at this time, i am a very new business as i am still learning new methods and practices myself everyday. i also hope to learn taxidermy in the future, but these are just not things i have the confidence or knowledge in teaching anyone else.
q: i have a question but its not mentioned above!
a: Okey-dokey! Send me an email to deadthings@theleakyfawcett.com or reach out to me on Instagram and i would be happy to chat.