How to Make a Walrus Model
The walrus is normally found in the Arctic Sea and is one of the largest mammals on Earth, weighing up to 3,000 pounds. Easily recognized because of its large tusks and bristling whiskers, the walrus is a distinct looking animal. Because it is so recognizable, the walrus makes for a great model when trying to make an animal out of clay. Making a model walrus at home is a fun way to teach kids about marine life or simply occupy their time in a productive way.
Things You'll Need
- Picture of a walrus
- Knife
- 8 ounces of brown polymer clay
- 1 ounce of white polymer clay
- 1 ounce of orange polymer clay
- Fishing line
- Scissors
- Tin foil
- Oven
Instructions
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1
Put the picture of the walrus next to you for reference. Begin by rolling three-quarters of your brown polymer clay into a ball. Use the knife to cut about one-quarter of the clay off the ball. Shape the trimmed clay into a quarter-inch thick disc and cut cross-ways to create four wedges. Turn the larger ball onto the flat side and gently roll back and forth. Mold the flat spot away by forming a potato shape, then narrowing one end to form a carrot shape.
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2
Use the tip of the knife to cut "X" marks onto four different places on the larger piece of clay. These marks indicate where to attach the flippers to the main body of the walrus, so make one on the front left, front right, tail left and tail right. Make an "X" mark on the long edge of each wedge and attach one piece to each "X" mark on the main body.
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3
Roll a small amount of brown clay into a ball to form the head. Gently pinch the sides to give it a more natural shape. Roll a small amount of orange clay to act as the nose and press into the center of the head. Use the white clay to form two small tusks and attach to each side of the nose. Cut the fishing line into whiskers and attach to the head. Twist the tin foil into a small spike and insert half of it into the bottom of the head. Then attach the whole piece to the body.
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Bake your walrus according to the directions on your polymer clay packaging. The position of your walrus is permanent once baked so decide how you want it to look before putting it in the oven.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the baked walrus to make it more life-like, if you wish.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
