FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes I have the option for white, oak, or black frames, you’ll note the choice in each listing. Some frames are a once off and in that case there will not be another option. The photos are what I have them in currently, and think look best in. Please note that the background colour cannot be changed once the specimen is mounted however, so if you want a black background please contact me for a custom piece!

When displaying your new display or frame ensure you are keeping them in a dry space with low humidity. Make sure they will not be exposed to direct sunlight as this will cause them to fade and deteriorate. 
Following these steps will mean the specimens will be inheritance items! They will outlast us, which I love.

GENERAL CLEANING:
When cleaning your frames it is important to handle them with the utmost care. The specimens are very fragile and delicate and too much movement can cause damage.

Do not remove the tape that is sealing the back of the frame. If the edges have lifted simply smooth them back down. In hot and humid environments the tape may lose its sticky nature, if this is the case replace with preferably framers tape but duct tape will do also! This is to try and add a layer of protection between the specimen and book lice.

TREATMENTS:
In the off chance you notice dust-like specks inside of your frame, this will likely be book lice. Place the piece into the freezer for at least 2 days to kill off anything living, remove for a couple of days and then repeat the first step to kill any unhatched eggs. Closely monitor the rest of your collection during this period as they may have gotten into other frames also.

Why is this important? They will eat your bugs!! :( I recommend conducting a 'spot check' every other month, including any frames that may be in storage.

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Similarly look out for mould. In hot and humid environments like most of Australia, mould will take root at the drop of a hat even if you are careful with frame placement. I have noted clients that display on wooden bookshelves or in a room that never has aircon going have worse luck. 

Treatment for mould is much more annoying than prevention. I would recommend putting frames away in a room that does not have as high humidity during the truly bad months! But if mould happens, follow these steps:

Place the frame into the freezer for 3-5 days. This is to kill the mould spores - the longer the better honestly. Take it out and open the frame up, using a fine/soft paint brush remove the mould from the specimen - wash down the sink or do this somewhere easy to clean up afterwards. Thoroughly wipe down the glass and inside of the frame. If it was a really bad case of mould, put back together after this then put back into the freezer OR you can brush acetone onto the insect with your paint brush. Do not put acetone onto the glue as it will remove this also. 

Ideally, tape the frame back up with framers tape but as mentioned, duct tape will do in a pinch.

I will try my best to post all orders ASAP! I am currently looking after my baby full time but I want your new bug friends in their new homes. At this point in time I can get to the post office on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

All orders will be supplied with a tracking number and insurance cover for the value of your goods up to $100, if your purchase totals more and you desire coverage please add on the appropriate insurance from the Shop. The postage cost is calculated based off the weight of the frame, and if you want express or regular post.

If you are local - you can come collect from me direct! I live in Yarrabilba.

 
Please note; I will not be held responsible for any shipping delays, breakages once in the postal system or lost items etc. Once your package has left my office, it is out of my control. See 'What if the frame or specimen breaks during delivery, or the package gets lost?' for more details 

I do not accept returns for any reason, due to the products all being one-offs, and the photographs clearly showing what you are purchasing. Please ensure you are 100% satisfied with your purchase as what you see is what you will get. Therefore there are no instances where a change of mind is allowable after purchase nor is there an opportunity for “faulty products” as again, the photos are the one-off artworks you are agreeing to purchase.

I pack every order with care and attention to detail, including 'fragile' stickers placed all over the box, and ample bubble wrap (which is recycled from personal orders where I can!) or honeycomb wrap (recycle this please!). Unfortunately once it is out of my hands I cannot control what happens to it however, so if you are local I would encourage picking up the frame.

If your package gets lost, or Auspost manages to damage it, you will need to contact Auspost to organise an insurance claim (all will be posted with insurance cover up to $100, if your purchase totals more and you desire coverage please add on the appropriate insurance from the Shop). Not all Auspost locations can process damage claims so best to ring first. Please note that Auspost will need the all of the packaging, box and ALL the items to be handed over at that point in time. Ideally this doesn’t happen of course however I want to make it clear on steps!

"Ethically sourced" is a can of worms. My look on ethically sourced is that it is SUSTAINABLE - that is, minimal impact on the total population in the wild and also habitats are not impacted other than in a positive way. I source all butterflies from farms and butterfly houses where humans interfere in a good way with their breeding, and growth. Farming butterflies actually ADDS to local populations as controlled releases occur. Another way to look at it, in the wild, 5% make it to butterfly stage due to predators, lack of adequate food, and other genetic factors. In farms, 99% do. The real question that most artists dodge is 'are the specimens killed?' Yes they are, you CANNOT have a perfect specimen without rips or tears in wings without them being killed close to after emergence. Anyone that says otherwise is a liar - sorry! They are put to sleep with poisonous gases or frozen by the farmers.

Occasionally I will source a butterfly from a local butterfly house that has died of natural causes, in which case the description will say so, as I need to explain why it looks so beat up. Living out their lives in full means they bump into things, as they do not have nerves in their wings.