How to Store a Starfish for Decorations

https://www.wikihow.it/Conservare-una-Stella-Marina-per-Decorazioni

Starfish make great decorations.To avoid leaving a bad smell on your table centerpiece, it is certainly useful to learn how to preserve them correctly by drying them with alcohol.Also learn to display them in the right way.It's very simple, read the article to find out how.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Conserving the Starfish

Download PDF

1
Make sure the starfish found is already dead. The world's 1,500 starfish species have one thing in common:they are very slow.It can be difficult to tell if the one you found is dead;however, you just need 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?If so, do the animal a favor and put it back in the water.Watch carefully to see if it is still alive for several minutes before picking it up.
- If the starfish appears fragile and still, it is dead, so you can take it home to keep and use as a decoration.
2
Clean the starfish. An optional step before storing your star is cleaning.Although it is not essential, some collectors prefer to submerge it in slightly soapy water and dry it carefully before immersing 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.Don't rub it or 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.Simply crush them gently by placing them between two plates to keep them flat.
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 found.When you get 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 odor due to the chemicals, which will fade slightly over time.If you're going to put your starfish behind glass, it won't matter.The process for this method is the same.^{[1]
  X
  Research source}
4
Let the starfish dry in the sun. Whichever method you choose to use, you will need to carefully dry the starfish before displaying it.Warm sunny days are perfect.
- Flatten it with plates (no need to use books or excessive weights) to make sure the arms are straight and even.Check regularly to make sure the star is the shape you want.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
5
Try preserving starfish in salt. Another very simple alternative method is to flatten the starfish on a plate and cover it with a generous amount of natural sea salt.Top with another plate to keep arms straight.
- The salt crust can help absorb moisture from the starfish, drying it out completely and helping to preserve it very well.It is advisable to follow this method outside the home, under the sun to avoid bad odors and to speed up the process.
Advertising

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Display the Starfish

Download PDF

Whatever you want to do with the starfish, make sure it stays dry and doesn't emit a bad odor.The smell of alcohol may persist for some time;Store it in a dry place and don't handle it too much.
Starfish are often displayed in shadow boxes with other shells, urchins, sand and driftwood.They can be nice ornaments to display in the office, living room, or other rooms, especially in homes near the beach.
Instead of making a bow, use the starfish, attaching it with glue to your package.You can also hang it from a gift bag with a ribbon, and pair it with a marine-themed gift for an extra touch.
4
Use it to decorate the dining room table. Creating a table centerpiece with a marine theme 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 with glue to the napkin holders to liven up the atmosphere.
- Embellish the stem of your wine glasses by delicately attaching the starfish with ribbon.Make sure you remove it before washing the glass.
One of the simplest and most elegant ways to display starfish 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 bring to mind beautiful days and ocean waves.
Always carry your starfish with you creating a beautiful brooch.Attach it to your beach bag or purse, scarf or jacket.

Advertising