Entomology Workshop for Beginners

Learn how to preserve butterflies and moths to a museum standard



7.5 hours Class size 1 to 16 guests    

  $375 (Afterpay available)
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Jason Penfold introduces you to the world of butterfly and moth preservation with the Beginner Entomology class. This class is designed to give you the fundamental knowledge and practical skills needed to preserve butterflies and moths to a museum standard.
Choosing from a curated collection of A1 quality butterflies and moths, you’ll be shown how to rapidly rehydrate your specimens, before pinning, posing and displaying them in a traditional entomology display.
Through clear demonstrations and group tuitions, you’ll be taught how to handle entomology equipment, how to construct pinning boards and how to easily pin specimens. All methods are taught so that they’re easily replicated at home, ensuring your entomology journey continues well after the class.
Jason articulates each specimen’s anatomy in great detail, educating students on correct handling methods to preserve the delicate structure of the specimens. The theory portion of the class is lightly interlaced throughout the day, ensuring it remains exciting, relevant and rewarding.

Upcoming dates for Entomology Workshop for Beginners

Times are Melbourne time. Dates and prices as of 3 Oct 2026, 5:44pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 10 Apr 2027 and 10 Apr 2027.

  • Sat 10 Apr 2027, 9:30am-5pm
What you'll get
Each Violet Eyes Entomology class gives students exclusive access to Jason’s curated store, filled with natural history, entomology tools and a range of unique specimens. This selection aims to provide students with something unique so that students can start their own self-made museum.
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Knowledge required
Everything from tool to specimen is provided and no prior experience is needed to attend. This class is a catered event that will provide a home-cooked lunch, with dishes revolving around fresh, seasonal produce.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a unique gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

Richmond, VIC

Exact location is masked for privacy. You'll automatically get the specific address after booking.

Entomology Workshop for Beginners location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Entomology Workshop for Beginners

  • 5/5 from Sheena Golding, attended Sep 2026: This class was amazing!, Jason is an excellent teacher, very relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge, sense of accomplishment and re-newed appreciation for the natural world and those that work hard to preserve it
  • 5/5 from Violet Gayheart, attended Apr 2025: Jason is the funniest, most charismatic facilitator I've had. I had such a great time learning how to rehydrate, pin and frame butterflies and moths. Everyone in my class was so lovely too. Highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Jenny Chan, attended Oct 2023: A beginner friendly class. This is my second time back as I was keen to learn more. Teacher Jason has a vast knowledge on entomology and he shares invaluable tips. We learnt about all the tools required, and he has a supply of butterflies available to pursue this as a hobby at home. You will learn several techniques for pinning butterflies. All instructions were clearly explained. We took home 4 prepared butterflies which can be encased in a display frame provided. Refreshments and food were provided throughout the day. A Sunday well spent.
  • 5/5 from Lizzie Lamb, attended Oct 2023: Jason is a delight, an artist, and a total professional. His class is incredible value for money and a lot of fun - be prepared to walk away with a new obsession. 17/10 recommend
  • 5/5 from Matilda Russell, attended Oct 2023: Absolutely fantastic course and I'm looking forward to coming again. Jason was a great and very welcoming teacher with highly considered material including teaching a variety of methods and allowing personal choices in learning. Jason was so helpful in sharing his expertise. We came in grinning and left absolutely thrilled with our day Completely worth the prince (and more) :)
  • 5/5 from Elissa Hullah, attended Oct 2022: Great class for an introduction to entomology, had a good pace and gave a thorough overview of the processes involved with creating my own pieces. Jason was personable and approachable, treated everyone in the class as individuals and it had a lovely energy being with others who you felt were engaged with the material. The space was clean and comfortable, all tools and materials were supplied and Jason even provided an amazing home cooked lunch which we all shared around the table in a nice bonding experience. Definitely worth the money - I’d recommend this class for anyone wanting to dive into entomology and have some cool specimens to show for your days effort. So happy with mine! Thanks Jason!
  • 5/5 from Natasha Coote, attended Oct 2022: Jason is one of the most lovely people I’ve encountered. Incredibly patient, witty and engaging. Not only did I learn all the fundamentals of Entomology but I also became friends with everyone in the class over the lunch that Jason made himself - he truly went above and beyond to make us all feel welcome. I’m feeling so positive after the day I spent at Violet Eyes and I can’t wait to return for another class in future.
Your teacher

Violet Eyes Entomology
Violet Eyes Entomology

5.0 (14)
Instagram followers 19k followers

Jason Penfold grew up in country Australia, where his love for natural history began to grow. Surrounded by plants, animals and stones, his imagination and strong connection to nature has always been a passion.
Jason's love for stones and minerals was nurtured through a family passion for Lapidary, which goes back two generations. Guided by his grandma, he has fond memories of foraging for semi precious stones in his hometown of country New South Wales.
In 2012, Jason began teaching himself how to preserve and pin various butterflies, moths and arachnids. A continued, self-driven education in entomology has lead Jason to work with museums across Australia and the USA, as well as private collectors, on various projects and additions.
Now living in Melbourne, Australia, Jason's art practise marries his love of Lapidary and Entomology into small scale sculptures enveloped in rich symbolism and archetypal meaning.
Having previously taught Entomology in Australia and internationally, Jason now brings his own series of Entomology workshops to the public, spreading the great wonder and happiness that working so closely with nature brings.
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