Making a papier mache turtle shell, need some suggestions!

[L&IsMama]

OK,I want to make my ds a turtle costume, and I came up with the idea to make him a "shell" out of papier mache. I was thinking of using a large bowl as the mold to form the papier mache on, but I was wondering if there would be something better to use as a form for a shell? Also, any ideas on how he can wear it? I was thinking of making straps, and he can wear it like a backpack? With some felt or something for the front, over his tummy, so that in front he looks like the bottom of a turtle, make sense? I was going to just get some tights for him, and make little covers for his shoes out of felt to look like little turtle feet, with nails and everything.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to make it better? I kinda wanted the shell to have a "rim", kwim? My kitchen bowl that would use has no edges, so it would be an "edgeless" turtle shell. : What can I do to make the edge for the shell?

Creative mamas, help me out! :

[rere]

Originally Posted by L&IsMama

OK,I want to make my ds a turtle costume, and I came up with the idea to make him a "shell" out of papier mache. I was thinking of using a large bowl as the mold to form the papier mache on, but I was wondering if there would be something better to use as a form for a shell? Also, any ideas on how he can wear it? I was thinking of making straps, and he can wear it like a backpack? With some felt or something for the front, over his tummy, so that in front he looks like the bottom of a turtle, make sense? I was going to just get some tights for him, and make little covers for his shoes out of felt to look like little turtle feet, with nails and everything.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to make it better? I kinda wanted the shell to have a "rim", kwim? My kitchen bowl that would use has no edges, so it would be an "edgeless" turtle shell. : What can I do to make the edge for the shell?

Creative mamas, help me out! :

Well, for the rim you could roll up dry newspaper and tape it to the bowl and mache over it.I think the backpack idea is good.You can hot glue the straps to the shell.You might also want to do some straps that would tie around his waist so it doesn't flap all over the place.

Or you could use fleece and really make it like a turtle shell.You could cut out a piece of fleece to fit over his front side and make it big enough to reach the turtle shell.You could use sticky velcro to attach the shell and the front.

Or you could just attach the shell to a sweat shirt and maybe sew on some fleece for a textured belly.

[L&IsMama]

Originally Posted by rere

Or you could use fleece and really make it like a turtle shell.You could cut out a piece of fleece to fit over his front side and make it big enough to reach the turtle shell.You could use sticky velcro to attach the shell and the front.

Ooh! I like that idea! Once the shell is on, I could just stick the fleece "tummy" on with velcro strips. Thanks! : I was thinking of doing something like that w/felt, but fleece would be more comfy, I think.

[rere]

I love a good costume challenge.