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Taxidermy class for beginners: the gift that keeps on giving

Give the gift that keeps on giving with a small mammal taxidermy class.

 Give the gift that keeps on giving with a small mammal taxidermy class.Give the gift that keeps on giving with a small mammal taxidermy class.

Looking for a Christmas or holiday gift that keeps on giving?

Main Street-based This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven is offering taxidermy classes for beginners and the finished product will stay with you forever — or until a significant other gives you that old, “It’s me or that rat dressed up like a ballerina” lecture.

The one-day workshop introduces students to the basic techniques used in small mammal taxidermy — and while the class was designed for absolute beginners, more experienced students will also be interested.

 Artist Jonna Lepeska teaches small mammal taxidermy at This Monkey's Gone to Heaven.Artist Jonna Lepeska teaches small mammal taxidermy at This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven.

The workshop is taught by artist Jonna Lepeska, a graduate in theatre production from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, who specialized in scenic art.

Lepeska spends her free time collecting small items from nature and making micro-world installations using insects and small mammals she stuffs herself. Lepeska’s taxidermy workshops use ethically-sourced mice and each participant will receive one to work on and complete.

 A taxidermy workshop for beginners at This Monkey's Gone to Heave makes for a great holiday gift.A taxidermy workshop for beginners at This Monkey’s Gone to Heave makes for a great holiday gift.

The class includes the lesson, specimen and all supplies. Students will be able to pose the arms and legs of their mouse to their liking and are encouraged to bring miniature props to decorate — a select amount of props will also be available for purchase at This Monkey’s Gone to Heaven.

Read more from the Vancouver Courier