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Sea turtle with a full shell

Build a large turtle figure with a full dome, five central scutes, a rounded head and four profiled flippers. A rim and 28 profiles form a framework gradually covered with short supported strands. About 20 × 16 × 4.5 cm. Work may span several sessions; timing is an estimate and the model has not been physically tested.

Age
8–12 years
Length
approx. 7 h
Level
Medium
Where you teach
Home
Purpose
Creative
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How to run this session

Stages and timing
  1. Make the double rim
  2. Four main profiles on the mat
  3. Install the four main arches
  4. Add the crown support
  5. Remaining profiles on the mat
  6. Complete the shell framework
  7. Connect the ribs across
  8. Cover the shell: band 1 of 4
  9. Cover the shell: band 2 of 4
  10. Cover the shell: band 3 of 4
  11. Cover the shell: band 4 of 4
  12. Draw the raised scute boundaries
  13. Build the framework: Neck: lower half
  14. Cover the half: Neck: lower half
  15. Build the framework: Neck: upper half
  16. Cover the half: Neck: upper half
  17. Build the framework: Head: lower half
  18. Cover the half: Head: lower half
  19. Build the framework: Head: upper half
  20. Cover the half: Head: upper half
  21. Join the head and neck and attach the root
  22. Build the panel: Left front flipper
  23. Cover the flipper on its profiles
  24. Build the panel: Left rear flipper
  25. Cover the flipper on its profiles
  26. Attach the left flippers
  27. Build the panel: Right front flipper
  28. Cover the flipper on its profiles
  29. Build the panel: Right rear flipper
  30. Cover the flipper on its profiles
  31. Attach the right flippers
  32. Make the tail on the mat
  33. Attach the tail
  34. Add the eyes
  35. Make the lower panel separately
  36. Check the roots and close the underside

What gets built

Make a rounded figure with a clearly defined shell and flippers.

What it practises
  • Building a covering on a framework and planning the assembly sequence.

Success criteria
  • The shell holds its volume, all flippers are connected and the figure has a recognisable profile.
  • Five central scutes, a rounded head and four flippers are recognisable. The underside is closed only after checking the roots.

What you need
Filament
PLA
Colours
colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration, colour shown in the illustration
Also
Pen, mat, ruler and pattern set as listed in the equipment checklist.

Files

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Version 8a65095d-f49b-4ae1-b42f-e3682f919feb Updated 2026-10-10

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