Pretty Dead Taxidermy

06/26/2026

Ever wanted to try taxidermy for yourself? 🐀

Our rat taxidermy workshops are a hands-on introduction to the art of preservation, where you’ll learn every step of the process, from prep to posing, in a guided and supportive environment.

No experience needed, just curiosity and a love for the weird and wonderful.

You’ll leave with your own finished piece and a whole new appreciation for the craft.

✨ Spots are limited… grab your ticket through the link in our bio!

06/25/2026

"Are children allowed at your workshops?"

Absolutely! 🖤🦋

One of the biggest misconceptions about taxidermy and insect pinning is that it's only for adults. In reality, many young people are fascinated by nature, science, anatomy, insects, and art.

Children under 15 years old are welcome to attend when accompanied by an adult. The accompanying adult does not need a separate ticket if they're there to assist their child.

Our youngest student so far was just 7 years old, and they did an amazing job.

The workshops teach patience, fine motor skills, attention to detail, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Watching young students discover that they can create something beautiful with their own hands is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.

Nature is for everyone. Curiosity has no age limit.



The best part isn't the finished specimen. It's watching a young person's face when they realize, "I made that."

06/25/2026

Sometimes the universe has a sense of humour. 🧡🪶

This Northern Flicker literally fell from the sky and landed at my client’s feet.

The funny part? It happens to be her favourite bird of all time.

Northern Flickers are one of North America’s most unique woodpeckers. Unlike most woodpeckers, they spend a surprising amount of time on the ground hunting ants and beetles. Their beautiful salmon-orange wing feathers (in western birds) flash like fire when they fly, earning them the nickname “flying sunsets” among some bird enthusiasts.

Because Northern Flickers are protected migratory birds, special permits are required to legally preserve them. I hold the necessary permits, allowing this incredible bird to be given a second life through taxidermy.

Out of all the birds in the world, this one somehow found its way to the person who loved them most.

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

🪶 Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus cafer)
🪶 Migratory bird permit holder
🪶 Preserved by Pretty Dead Taxidermy

06/23/2026

Packing butterfly pinning kits today 🦋📦

Want to learn the art of insect pinning at home? Our butterfly pinning kits come with everything you need to create your own beautifully preserved specimen.

Each kit includes:
🦋 Butterfly specimen
📌 Pins
📋 Pinning board
📖 Step-by-step instructions
✨ Everything needed to get started

Perfect for beginners, curious collectors, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a unique creative project.

Available online and in-store while supplies last.

Have you ever wanted to try butterfly pinning?

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

Happy Midsummer 🌿🔥

Long before flower crowns became an Instagram accessory, they were worn across Scandinavia to bring luck, fertility, and protection from evil spirits.

Bonfires were lit to keep mischievous beings at bay, herbs and flowers were gathered for their magical properties, and the more enthusiastically people celebrated, the better the harvest was believed to be.

Nature, folklore, superstition, and a healthy amount of drinking—some traditions never really change.

Happy Midsummer from Pretty Dead Taxidermy 🌿🦋✨

06/21/2026

This bear rug came to us looking like it had lived a few lives. 🐻🧹

Years of dust, dirt, oils, and who knows what else had built up deep in the fur. Before any repairs can begin, every specimen gets a thorough cleaning.

It’s one of the least glamorous parts of taxidermy restoration, but often the most satisfying. Watching decades of grime disappear and the fur come back to life never gets old.

Taxidermy isn’t always about creating something new—sometimes it’s about preserving a piece of history for the next generation.

✨ Wait until you see the transformation.

06/19/2026

Throwback to our Jackalope taxidermy workshop last month 🖤

If you have ever thought about learning the art of taxidermy, click the link in our bio to see all our upcoming workshops 🖤

06/17/2026

New Workshop: Scorpion Pinning 🖤

Join us for this beginner friendly Scorpion Pinning Workshop! Ever wanted to try your hand at taxidermy, but didn't know where to start? Our Scorpion Pinning Workshop is the perfect place! You'll learn how to carefully preserve and display your own scorpion, guided step-by-step by our team. No experience needed, just bring curiosity and steady hands!

Date: Wednesday July 8th 2026
Time: 6:30-8:30pm

Location: 2333 Ontario Street
Vancouver, BC

Spots are limited, click the link in our book now and make something uniquely creepy-cool!

06/15/2026

Ever wanted to learn the art of butterfly pinning? 🦋✨

Join us in the studio for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to properly spread, position, and preserve your own butterfly specimen. No experience needed… just a love for the beautiful and the unusual.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait! Click the link in our bio to grab your tickets 🎟️