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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 24 2010 at 2:19pm | IP Logged
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We found and discovered an abandoned large paper wasp nest a few years ago on a nature walk in the woods on my folks place. It has 3 distinct layers and is one of our favorite nature treasures, but I'm becoming concerned with leaving it out. It's getting old and rather dusty. Right now it just sits atop my supply cabinet with some of our other science supplies and nature treasures. You can see it on the far right top of the cabinet:
Here is an up close image...
The entire nest is about 4 1/2 inches high and about 6 inches in diameter at the widest part of the base.
I'd like to find something to keep it in so that we can still see it, but so that it will be further protected from dust, etc. I was thinking (go ahead and laugh  ) about looking for one of those doll display cases - with a wood base and a glass bell shape that fits over. But I don't even know what they're called to look for it. Then, I considered using a big glass jar with lid (have the jar sit upside down with the wasp nest resting in the lid), but when I did a little hunting the jars that had lids wide enough to accomodate a 6" diameter nest had HUGE glass jars to go with them and I was concerned about overall size.
Any other ideas? I'd love to be frugal and creative - so if you can think of something common I can get creative with I'm all ears!!! How would you display and protect a paper wasp nest this size? Thanks!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: April 24 2010 at 5:25pm | IP Logged
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You could get a small goldfish bowl and set it up like a little terrarium. I know I have seen them pretty cheap at Walmart and such.
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Theresa
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JaysFamily
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A mini helmet display box might be a better fit than a doll display box. They cost around $45-$60. Have you thought of getting a piece of furniture to display all your nature discoveries, or other special things? You should be able to find one on Craigslist, or an inexpensive one from Target or Ikea. Another idea is to build your own.
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Teachin'Mine2
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What about using a biscotti container - like the kind you get at the warehouse clubs? It should have a good diameter, but it is a bit taller than you need. Still the price is great considering the biscotti are a bonus. 
On edit: I'm not sure if these are available this time of year, they may be seasonal for the holidays. Costco carries organic animal crackers which come in a great clear plastic jar in Costco. I think this should fit in that. Once again, it is a bit bigger than you need, but frugal. Maybe you could suspend something else you want to display - something else natural - in the jar for space saving. 
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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 26 2010 at 7:55am | IP Logged
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Wow, ladies!! Thanks for the ideas! This is EXACTLY what I need!!! Outside the box thinking!!!!
I've checked most of the containers at Costco, believe it or not! Even biscotti. The ones at our Costco don't have a wide enough diameter base.  But, the goldfish bowl idea is something I hadn't thought of. And, I hadn't thought of the mini helmet display box either, Jaysfamily! Thanks! I'll look into that. Maybe I could find something workable at the thrift store - at least that's what I'm hoping!
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Jen Mackintosh
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CrunchyMom
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| Posted: April 26 2010 at 8:08am | IP Logged
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You might try looking at the vases in JoAnn's or Michael's or a florist supply place. I have a square vase I got an arrangement in once (so I'm guessing it was cheap). It would be a bit too small, but its possible there is a size up from it.
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Lindsay
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[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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Mackfam
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Cheap vases! YES!!! I am out of Mod Podge and this is like being out of toilet paper in my house...so I need to get to Michael's anyway...why didn't I think to look there!!! Perfect!!! Thanks for the inspiration, Lindsay!!
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Jen Mackintosh
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hylabrook1
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The container I can think of that is deep and wide the whole way is a trifle dish. Now, what would you use as a cover?
Peace,
Nancy
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Marcia
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I've got one hung from the ceiling....
http://motherwonderswhy.blogspot.com/2009/09/nearly-finished .html
Edited...link fairy fixed your link.
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Marcia
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JennGM
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JaysFamily wrote:
| A mini helmet display box might be a better fit than a doll display box. They cost around $45-$60. Have you thought of getting a piece of furniture to display all your nature discoveries, or other special things? You should be able to find one on Craigslist, or an inexpensive one from Target or Ikea. Another idea is to build your own. |
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Does it need to be glass, Jennifer?
Try Michael's or AC Moore for sports display cases. I think a football one would work for your size. I was originally thinking baseball, but I think that's too small. These are just square plastic containers and not expensive at all.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Mackfam
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It doesn't need to be glass...just inexpensive! I do want it to be clear though. I'll definitely check for these sports display cases you're talking about. Sounds like Michael's is definitely a place to check out!
Hey!!! That is amazing, Marcia! The one you have is huge! I think ours used to be that big. We visited it when it was still intact, staying at a very safe distance. When we discovered it a few weeks later it was partially disassembled and on the ground. I'm kind of glad as it allowed us to see the intricate inner workings. Very interesting! I'm glad you shared a picture of yours!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Marcia
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| Posted: April 27 2010 at 12:36pm | IP Logged
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the wasps always leave it when it freezes so if you find one during the summer you can remove it as soon as there is a freeze. This one was found in the woods while a certain daddy was goose hunting. He and his brother "shot" it down for me. (that's true love, LOL)
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Marcia
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Mackfam
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| Posted: April 27 2010 at 9:10pm | IP Logged
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I found something!!! WOO-HOO!!!
We went to Michael's today and I picked up an inexpensive glass bowl. It was in the vase section, but it looks just like a fishbowl...I don't have a clue what it *officially is*...I had my tape measure and was only thinking of the wasp nest! Can you imagine if someone had asked me if I needed help finding a vase? Anyway - $4...and it fits perfectly!!! It does look sort of like the paper wasp nest is sitting in an astronaut helmet! But, it's fine...and practical. The bowl just sits upside down over the nest.
Thanks very much ladies!!!!  Great ideas all!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
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CrunchyMom
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Mackfam wrote:
| It does look sort of like the paper wasp nest is sitting in an astronaut helmet! |
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So glad you found something that worked!
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Lindsay
Five Boys(6/04) (6/06) (9/08)(3/11),(7/13), and 1 girl (5/16)
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[URL=http://mysymphonygarden.blogspot.com/]Lost in the Cosmos[/UR
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: Storing and displaying a paper wasp nest
