Years ago, as a young child, one of my favorite activities was playing with clay. I would spend hours sculpting little animals, people, and weird monsters. One creature I remember making over and over was a turtle. Something so satisfying was taking a lump of clay and slowly forming the protective shell and legs tucked carefully inside.
As an adult, making clay creatures is a relaxing, mindful activity. So, when my niece asked me to teach her how to sculpt an animal out of clay, I thought a turtle would be the perfect beginner project.
In this post on how to make clay turtle, I’ll share the simple steps I took to teach my niece how to make her very own clay turtle. I hope these instructions inspire you to pick up some clay and get creative!
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather all the tools and materials you’ll need to make your clay turtle.
- Clay: You can use air-dry or oven-bake clay for this project. I prefer a non-toxic, air-dry clay for safety and convenience.
- Rolling Pin: You’ll need this to flatten out your clay and make it easier to mold.
- Clay Sculpting Tools: These can be found at most craft stores and help shape details on your turtle.
- Acrylic Paint: If you want to add color to your turtle, acrylic paint is the best option for painting on top of dry clay.
- Paintbrushes: For applying the paint, you’ll need a few different sizes of brushes for precision and coverage.
- Clear Sealant: This is optional, but if you want your turtle to have a shiny finish, a clear sealant spray will do the trick.
Once you have all your materials, it’s time to start creating your clay turtle!
9 Easy Steps on How to Make Clay Turtle
Step 1. Prepare Your Clay:
Begin by kneading your clay until it’s soft and pliable. Divide it into two sections – one large lump for the turtle’s body and one smaller for the head and legs. Keep your clay moist as you work by spritzing it with a little water. This will prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Step 2. Form the Turtle’s Body:
Take the more enormous lump of clay and roll it into a ball. This will be the turtle’s body. Once you have a smooth, round ball, gently press down on the top and sides, shaping it into an oval. This oval shape forms the turtle’s shell. Make sure the base remains rounded for the turtle to maintain stability.
Step 3. Shape the Turtle’s Head and Legs:
Now, take the smaller lump of clay and divide it into five even pieces – one for the turtle’s head and four for the legs. For the pilot, mold one piece into an oval shape, then gently pinch one end to form the turtle’s neck. Take each of the four pieces for the legs and shape them into small, thick rectangles.
Remember to round off one side of each leg to form the turtle’s feet. Once shaped, attach the head to the front of the turtle’s body and attach the legs on either side. Use your fingers or clay sculpting tools to smooth out the connections, ensuring the legs and head are securely attached to the body.
Step 4. Create the Turtle’s Shell:
Next, to form the turtle’s shell, use the back of a spoon or a clay tool to gently press a pattern onto the top of the turtle’s oval body. This should be a series of interconnected circles or hexagons to replicate the natural design found on a turtle’s shell. Be careful to press only a little, as you want to avoid going all the way through the clay. Remember, this is your turtle, so feel free to get creative with the shell design!
Step 5. Sculpt the Turtle’s Face:
To create the turtle’s face, use your clay tools to form two small indentations for the eyes. You can then roll two tiny balls of clay and press them into these indentations to create the eyes. For the mouth, make a small slit beneath the eyes and shape it into a smile or a neutral expression, depending on your preference. Ensure the facial features are proportionate and blend smoothly with the rest of the head.
Step 6. Allow the Turtle to Dry:
Once you are satisfied with your turtle’s shape and details, it’s time to let it dry. Place your turtle in a safe, relaxed, and dry place where it won’t be disturbed. Depending on the type of clay you use, drying time can vary. For air-dry clay, this may take 24-48 hours. If you used oven-bake clay, follow the instructions on the package for baking times and temperatures. Patience is key here; you want to ensure your turtle is completely dry before moving on to the next steps.
Step 7. Paint Your Turtle:
After your clay turtle has completely dried, you can start painting it. Use acrylic paint and your brushes to add color to your turtle. You can stick to natural colors like browns and greens or get creative with a palette of your own choosing. Paint the shell, body, head, and legs, keeping the paint within the lines of your sculpted features. Remember to paint the eyes too! Allow the paint to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Step 8. Apply a Second Coat of Paint (Optional):
If you desire a more vibrant look or if the first coat of paint appears too thin, consider applying a second coat. Ensure the first layer is completely dry before proceeding. This step might also include adding details or patterns you didn’t include in the first layer – maybe some unique markings on the turtle’s shell or some detailing on the legs. Once again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before moving to the next step.
Step 9. Seal Your Turtle:
Sealing your painted clay turtle is recommended for a finished and polished look. This will not only provide a protective layer, preventing the paint from chipping or fading but also give your turtle a glossy or matte finish, depending on the type of sealant you choose. Just ensure that the paint is dry before you apply the glue.
Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of clear sealant all over your turtle. Cover all the painted areas, but be careful not to apply too much, as it might make the colors run. Once you’ve done this, let the sealant dry completely. This usually takes around 24 hours.
By following these steps, you can create your clay turtle and enjoy the therapeutic process of sculpting with clay.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Clay: When making a clay turtle, choosing the right kind of clay is essential. Polymer clay is a good option as it’s durable and easy to work with.
- Make a Sketch First: Before you start your project, sketch out your turtle to have a plan to follow. This will help you visualize the final product and make the process smoother.
- Use Tools: Don’t hesitate to use sculpting tools to make precise shapes and details. It can make a big difference in the final appearance of your clay turtle.
- Take Your Time: Good things take time. Take your time with the process, especially while sculpting the small details like the turtle’s shell pattern or eyes.
- Proper Baking: Follow the baking instructions that come with your clay carefully. Too much heat can cause the clay to crack or discolor.
With these tips, you can create your clay turtle and experiment with different designs and techniques.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Using Wet Clay: Wet clay can be challenging to work with and might not hold the shape of your turtle well. It also takes longer to dry and is prone to cracking.
- Don’t Overwork the Clay: Overworking the clay can make it lose its flexibility and become hard to manipulate. Remember to give it rest periods if you spend a long time on your project.
- Avoid Rushing the Baking Process: Do not try to speed up the baking process by increasing the temperature. This could result in the clay burning or cracking.
- Don’t Ignore Measurements: Keep all parts proportional while creating your clay turtle. An oversized head or undersized legs can disrupt the aesthetics of your turtle.
- Avoid Not Using Tools: Attempting to create every aspect of your turtle by hand can lead to less precision. Use appropriate sculpting tools for detailed work.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smoother and more successful clay turtle making experience. These tips and tricks are not limited to just turtles but can also be applied to other clay projects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to make clay turtle is not only a fun and creative activity but also a great way to practice patience and hone your sculpting skills. We have covered everything from gathering materials, shaping the body, detailing the shell, and adding finishing touches. Remember not to get discouraged if your first turtle doesn’t turn out exactly how you imagined – like any skill, it takes time and practice to perfect.
So gather your supplies, put on some relaxing music, and dive into clay sculpting with our easy-to-follow guide. And who knows, maybe you’ll master creating different types of animals using this same technique! Share your creations by tagging us on social media using the hashtag #clayturtlesquad.
Now go and let your imagination run wild as you create your very own clay turtle masterpiece! Happy sculpting!