A Gothic Specimen Workshop with Preserved by Elliot

Saturday, August 8th at 8:00 PM
Hill House Parlour | Salem, Massachusetts
Located directly across the street from Nocturne, Nocturne’s dedicated event space.

Join us after dark at the Hill House Parlour for an intimate evening of gothic crafting, natural history, and delicate specimen preservation.

Led by Preserved by Elliot, this hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of pinning an orb weaver spider onto a foam head, carefully positioning its legs and body to create the illusion of a spider captured in motion.

Orb weavers are known for their dramatic silhouettes, intricate webs, and beautifully patterned bodies. During the workshop, you will learn how to gently handle and arrange your specimen, work with specialized pinning tools, and thoughtfully compose its final pose.

Whether your spider appears to be crawling, reaching, or preparing to spin its next web, each participant will create a unique and striking display piece inspired by the eerie elegance of the natural world.

No previous pinning or preservation experience is necessary. Preserved by Elliot will provide step-by-step instruction throughout the evening, making this workshop welcoming to curious beginners, seasoned collectors, and lovers of all things strange and beautiful.

Your Workshop Includes

• One orb weaver spider specimen
• A foam display head
• All necessary pinning supplies and tools
• Guided, hands-on instruction from Preserved by Elliot
• An atmospheric evening of gothic crafting inside the Hill House Parlour

Come spend a summer night in Salem creating something hauntingly beautiful among fellow lovers of oddities, insects, natural history, and gothic art.

Space is limited to preserve the intimate, hands-on nature of the workshop. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.