bioephemera is art + biology - everything from representations of science in art and literature to the neuroscience of aesthetics. 
19th century anatomical study cabinet #1
Alex cf, 2008
The undisputed modern master of the horrifying cryptozoological specimen is Alex cf, bane of vampires and cthulhu spawn. Unfortunately, there's an immense demand for his work, and he isn't very prolific. So how's a girl to fill her curiosity cabinet - especially with Halloween right around the corner?
Luckily, Repository For Bottled Monsters turned up a great DIY project: how to bottle your own mad-scientist monstrosities. Check out these jars, created using inexpensive plastic toys from the dollar store:
from imakeprojects.com
These aren't Martha Stewart's Halloween specimen jars!
(You thought I was kidding about Martha, didn't you? I wish.)
Granted, these homemade specimens can't compete with Alex's intricate creations, and they're not going to fool the family cryptozoologist. But they have the advantage of being cheap, easy to make, and child safe (an important consideration on Halloween). To balance out your wonder cabinet, you can find ideas for alchemical supply jars at this post at Aranamuerta.
from Aranamuerta
So embrace the premature arrival of the Halloween season, defy the big-box retailers, and get thee to a dollar store to buy some expanding fake octopi!
Comments
Is that Quatto from Total Recall in the upper left jar?
Posted by: John Ohab | September 12, 2008 10:36 PM
Indeed, I believe it is. Once again, Total Recall is shown to be the linchpin that holds the galaxy together (at least until the LHC pulls that pin out).
Posted by: Jessica Palmer | September 14, 2008 10:07 PM
My favorite part of Total Recall is when Arnold uses the elevator shaft and the wall to lop off Michael Ironside's arms and then says, "See you at the party, Richter!".
Posted by: John Ohab | September 14, 2008 10:17 PM