How do I make an origami turtle?

How do you make a paper mache turtle ?

• I am doing a project in science class and a need to make a model of a endangered animal. i chose a leather back turtle and have NO IDEA on how to make its shape. plz include step by step instructions on how to make the paper mache turtle and on how to make the individual turtle parts. If there is a easer way of making a model turtle please let me know. any help would be appreciated

• Answer:

  Zack, Do some Internet research to get a few good photos to download. Those will guide you in the shape of the turtle. Each paper mache sculpture is an experiment, Here are some tips to help out: Start as far ahead of time as you can -you may need to dry it several times before it's done. A blower dryer can help with that, but keep it fairly far away from the sculpture because it could start it on fire if it gets too hot. Using strips of newspaper, dip them in a mix of white glue and water, pull the strip through two fingers to get the excess glue off the paper and then apply it to the armature. About two overall layers are all you should do before letting it dry. Armature: a base for the sculptural shape. It can be made of any materials you can use to provide the basic shape for you to work out the final sculpture. Possible materials are wire, styrofoam, wood, plastic of any sort, paper or foam plates -you name it. This is to give you a basic structure to your sculpture so you don't have to dry a jillion layers of paper mache. If you have some gaps in the paper strips when you apply them, use an Exacto (or similar craft knife) to cut them. Then simply apply a dab of glue mix and press them flat. You can also tear shorter strips of paper so you don't get the gaps in the first place. Most important: have fun with it.