Spreading boards and pinning blocks are easily constructed using the foam poster board which is available at most frame shops. Lepidoptera should be spread within a day of collection, but if they dry out before they are spread, they can be relaxed by placing them in a closed container with a damp paper towel. Don't leave them that way more than a day or so or they will mold and ruin. Spread the wings carefully on the boards making sure that they are at the correct level to prevent canting upward or drooping after they are removed from the board. Wax paper can be used to cover and hold the wings in place while they are drying.
Pins can hold the paper down without penetrating the wings.
Use patience and take your time when working up a day's catch. That can make all the difference in the world in the way a collection looks. A variety of plants will often attract a variety of insects, so if you are planning a butterfly garden, plant as many kinds of plants as you can. Tiger Beetles are also plentiful during the hot part of the summer, but they may require some ingenuity to find. They are often very active in sandy areas which are not overgrown by vegetation.