VdB 38 is a reflection nebula also in the constellation Orion. It is part of the van den Bergh catalog, which lists bright reflection nebulae associated with stars. VdB 38 is illuminated by a nearby star, which scatters its light off surrounding dust, giving the nebula a bluish appearance typical of reflection nebulae. It lies at an estimated distance of around 1,000–1,500 light-years from Earth and is located in a region of active star formation.

Sh2-263, also known as LBN 860, is an emission nebula in the constellation Orion. It is a relatively faint H II region, meaning it consists of ionized hydrogen gas that emits light due to the presence of young, hot stars. Sh2-263 is located at an estimated distance of about 1,000–1,300 light-years from Earth and is associated with ongoing star formation.

Together, these two nebulae create the appearance of a bit of "Mold" (vdB 38) growing on "Strawberry" Sh2-263.