How to Preserve Starfish as Decorative Items

Pick Up Dead Starfish. There are nearly 1500 species of starfish around the world, and they all share a common trait: they move very slowly. It can be hard to tell if the starfish in your hand is still alive or has passed, so be sure to look for signs to ensure you're preserving this beautiful creature and not harming it.

• If you spot a starfish on the beach, avoid touching it right away. Take a close look. Do you notice any movement? Are there any bubbles rising from the sand beneath it? If so, gently return it to the water. Observe carefully for a few minutes to look for signs of life before picking it up.
• If the starfish seems brittle and unresponsive, it means it has already passed, and you can take it home to preserve and use as decoration.

Cleaning the Starfish. Washing the starfish is an optional step before preservation. While not mandatory, some collectors prefer soaking the starfish in a diluted soapy water solution and drying them thoroughly before further drying in alcohol or salt coating.

• If you choose to clean with soap, mix a little dish soap with a few cups of water and soak the starfish in the solution to cleanse it. Avoid scrubbing or stirring too much. Starfish are very fragile and can easily break.
• Dry the starfish under the sun, placing a plate on top to keep the arms pressed down. The arms tend to curl up as they dry, so using a plate will help keep them flat.

Preserving Starfish in Alcohol. Generally, most collectors immediately soak their starfish in alcohol, but you can do whatever works best for your specimen. Use enough alcohol to fully submerge the starfish and leave it in for 30 to 48 hours.

• Some people prefer using formalin, a mixture of one part formaldehyde and five parts water. If you go this route, the starfish will have a strong chemical smell for a while before it fades. This may not be an issue if you're displaying the starfish in a glass frame, but it's something to be aware of. The preservation process with both chemicals is similar.

Drying Starfish in the Sun. Regardless of the preservation methods or chemicals used beforehand, it's essential to dry the starfish under the sun before bringing it indoors. Sunny days are the best time to dry starfish and ensure long-lasting preservation.

• Use a plate to press the starfish flat (you don't need a book or any heavier object). Occasionally check to make sure they dry in the shape you desire, depending on how you intend to display them.

Try Preserving Starfish with Salt. Another simple method for preserving starfish is to place the starfish on a plate and cover it with a generous amount of natural sea salt. Put another plate on top to keep the arms of the starfish flat.

• The salt layer helps draw out the moisture from within, drying out the starfish and preserving it effectively. Consider doing this outside in the sun to avoid unpleasant smells and to speed up the drying process.

Keep the Starfish Dry. No matter what you plan to do with the starfish, whether displaying it outdoors or using it for crafts, it’s important to keep it dry to minimize any potential odors. The starfish doesn’t emit a strong smell, but you might notice a faint scent of alcohol for a while after the preservation process. Store the starfish in a dry area and avoid handling it too much.

Create an Ocean Life Display Box. Arrange the starfish alongside sea urchins, seashells, and driftwood inside a glass frame. This could be a beautiful decoration for an office, living room, or any other space, especially in homes near the ocean.

Gift Box Decoration. Use the starfish in place of a traditional gift bow. Attaching a dried starfish with glue to a gift box will make the present stand out. You can also use ribbon to hang the starfish from a gift bag for an extra touch. Pair this with a beach-themed gift for a perfect match.

Decorating the Dining Table. Use the starfish to create a focal point on your dining table with an ocean theme. A simple yet elegant plate adorned with seashells and starfish will make a stunning centerpiece, bringing a touch of the sea into your dining space, whether during the holiday season or summer.

• Attach a starfish to a napkin ring to add a whimsical touch to your dining table.
• Decorate wine glasses by tying a starfish to the stem with a ribbon. Remember to remove the starfish before washing the glass.

Decorating with Glass Jars. One of the simplest and most beautiful ways to display starfish and other sea creatures is by placing them in a glass jar. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, in a prominent spot or on a small table by the sofa, it’s a lovely reminder of waves and sunny days at the beach.

Create a Pin or Brooch. Carry the starfish with you by turning it into a charming pin or brooch. You can attach it to your beach bag, purse, scarf, or even your jacket.

• Store the starfish in a glass jar after the preservation process is complete.

• Starfish
• Small Box
• 1 Cup of Salt
• Glass Container