Starfish are great decorations. To avoid leaving a bad smell on your table center, it is certainly useful to learn how to store them correctly, drying them with alcohol. Also learn to expose them in the right way. It's very simple, read the article to find out how.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Store the Starfish
Step 1. Make sure the starfish found is already dead
The 1500 species of starfish in the world have one thing in common: they are very slow. It can be difficult to tell if the one you found is dead; however, it will be enough to look for certain signs to understand it. You will be able to honor it by preserving it.
- If you find a starfish on the beach, wait before touching it. Observe it closely; do you notice any movements? Do you see water bubbling on the sand below? In this case, do the pet a favor and put it back in the water. Check carefully if it is still alive for several minutes before taking it.
- If the starfish appears fragile and immobile, it is dead, so you can take it home to store and use as a decoration.
Step 2. Clean the starfish
An optional step before storing the star is cleaning. While not essential, some collectors prefer to submerge it in lightly soapy water and dry it carefully before soaking it in alcohol or drying it in salt.
- If you want to wash the stars, dilute a small amount of detergent in several cups full of water and immerse the star to clean it. Do not rub it and do not handle it too much because it is fragile.
- Carefully dry the starfish in the sun, taking care to extend its arms, which tend to curl during drying. Just squeeze them gently by placing them between two plates to keep them flat.
Step 3. Preserve the starfish with alcohol
Usually, many collectors immediately immerse the starfish in alcohol; however, you can do what you see fit based on the species you are finding. When you bring it home, soak it in plenty of isopropyl alcohol and leave it for 30-48 hours.
Alternatively, you can also soak the starfish in formalin, one part formaldehyde and five parts water. However, remember that with this method the starfish will have a fairly strong chemical odor, which fades slightly over time. If you're going to put your starfish behind glass, it won't matter. The procedure for this method is the same
Step 4. Let the starfish dry in the sun
Whichever method you choose to use, the starfish will need to be carefully dried before displaying it. Warm sunny days are perfect.
Flatten it with plates (no books or heavy weights needed) to make sure your arms are straight and even. Check regularly to make sure the star takes the shape you want
Step 5. Try storing the starfish in salt
Another very simple alternative method is to flatten the starfish on a plate and coat it with a generous amount of natural sea salt. Cover with another plate to keep your arms straight.
The salt crust can help absorb moisture from the starfish, drying it completely and helping to preserve it very well. It is advisable to follow this method outside the home, in the sun to avoid bad smells and to speed up the process
Part 2 of 2: Expose the Starfish
Step 1. Keep it dry
Whatever you want to do with your starfish, make sure it stays dry and doesn't smell bad. The smell of alcohol may persist for some time; keep it in a dry place and do not handle it too much.
Step 2. Create a marine style shadow box
Starfish are often displayed in shadow boxes with other shells, sea urchins, sand, and marine sticks. They can be beautiful ornaments to display in the office, living room, or other rooms, especially in houses near the beach.
Step 3. Use the starfish to wrap a gift
Instead of making a bow, use the starfish, attaching it to your package with glue. You can also hang it on a gift bag with ribbon, and pair it with a marine-themed gift for an extra touch.
Step 4. Use it to decorate the dining room table
Creating a marine-themed centerpiece is a great way to use the star. A simple and elegant bowl filled with starfish and other shells will look great on your table from Christmas to August, bringing back memories of summer.
- Attach the starfish to the napkin holders with glue to brighten the atmosphere.
- Embellish the stem of the wine glasses by gently attaching the starfish with a ribbon. Make sure you remove it before washing the glass.
Step 5. Fill a glass jar
One of the simplest and most elegant ways to show off the star and other marine decorations is to fill a glass jar. The effect will be beautiful, suitable for formal and non-formal contexts, it will immediately remind you of the beautiful days and the waves of the ocean.
Step 6. Make a pin
Always carry your starfish with you by creating a beautiful brooch. Attach it to your beach bag or purse, scarf or jacket.
