If you’ve ever visited a craft store you’ve likely seen a huge selection of paper mache boxes. Even if you’ve never been to a craft store it’s still probable that you’ve seen the small boxes. Similar to a wooden box the paper mache types are lightweight, need no sanding, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are ready to use the minute you purchase them.
Paper mache boxes, like wooden boxes, can be used to create all sorts of different craft and decor items. One difference between working with wooden boxes, and working with the paper mache boxes, is that you don’t need heavy tools and implements to create something great with paper mache. With wooden boxes you often need drills, screwdrivers, sandpaper and similar implements. With paper mache all you usually need is a glue gun!
There’s a cute little turtle box you can make for your child – or for someone you know who loves turtles – and you’ll spend little money or effort creating it. Simply purchase a round paper mache box with lid and you’ll have almost everything you need to complete the project. The box can be any size you want it to be depending upon the size turtle you want to make. The boxes costs a mere dollar for a small size but can continue on in price for the larger ones. Besides the box you’ll need a piece of dark green craft foam and some green paint.
Paint the paper mache box a light green color. The exact shade you use is up to you. Another choice you have is whether or not to paint the inside of the box. If you do, paint it first, and paint it the same color as the outside. When the box is completely painted and dry you’ll be ready to turn it into a turtle. It could take two to three coats of paint to completely cover the box.
For the head, tail and feet of the turtles choose a very dark green color of craft foam. The color should be much darker than the color you chose to paint the box. You’ll find the craft foam available in single sheets that are available in many different colors. The foam is cheap and much stiffer than felt although felt can be used instead of the foam.
Cut a circle of foam to represent the turtle’s head. Cut four more circles, slightly smaller than the first circle, to create the turtle’s feet. Cut one more piece of foam, shaped something like a tiny pyramid, to use for the turtle’s tail. Use hot glue to quickly add the head and legs, or use ordinary white glue which takes much longer to dry, but holds well.
Glue one half of the large circle to the underside of the box, leaving the other half of the circle protruding from under the box. When you do this, the turtle’s head (at least the part you can see), becomes a half-circle. Do the same thing with the other circles, gluing half to the underside, and allowing half of the circle to stick out. These smaller circles will become the turtle’s feet so glue two of them to each side. Position the tail, wide side of the pyramid glued under the box, and the point sticking out. Glue on tiny wiggly eyes to the turtle’s head, close to the edge of the circle.
Cut squares, circles or other shapes from the dark green foam and glue them to the turtle’s back. The shapes you decide on are up to you. Instead of using foam for this project, you can use felt instead, as mentioned above. Another choice for the head, legs, tail and back pieces are wooden shapes. You’ll find the assorted wooden shapes at a craft store but it will be necessary for you to paint them dark green.
Use a circle for the head, four smaller circles for feet, and your choice of shapes for the tail. You can use a small star, but only let one arm of the star show in the tail area, gluing the remainder of the star under the box and out of sight. Or, break off a piece of toothpick and glue it in the tail area.
When the box is finished it can be used to hold any number of things – depending on the size of the box. Small boxes can hold candy, coins, jewelry and small collectibles. Larger boxes can hold documents, craft supplies and more. The decorative turtle is perfect for a child but you can also just set it on a shelf in your home and smile!
Reference:
- Purchase paper mache boxes here: www.michaels.com
