Components of the passionflower are complete!

It will be assembled just prior to installation in May/June. We have completed two giant flower buds and are now working on the Zebra Longwing caterpillars. The caterpillars are taking shape! Exhibit fabricator Barb Ornstein is needle-felting each caterpillar by hand.

A caterpillar is very tiny when he/she hatches from its egg, growing and shedding its skin several times as it eats and eats and eats! Barb has crafted several caterpillars of various sizes. When the felting is complete, she will add details for the head, mouth and spines. Then, as a final step, it will be painted.

Felting caterpillars, body texture. Florida Museum photo.

Barb felting caterpillars. Florida Museum photo.

Felting caterpillars, mostly done. Florida Museum photo.

Felting caterpillars, concept plan. Florida Museum photo.

Barb felting caterpillars. Florida Museum photo.