How to Make a Pet Rock Turtle
The pet rock is a fad originating in the 1970s. Salesman Gary Dahl decided to create the pet rock because it had marked advantages over other pets: It didn't make a mess, eat, need to be trained and didn't require constant attention. As pet rocks gained in popularity, people began making their own. Creating a pet rock in the shape of a turtle requires little in the way of time and materials and can be fun for the whole family.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Newspaper
- Glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Paint
- Paintbrushes
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Go for a walk and find a smooth, rounded rock, or purchase one from a home-improvement store, often for less than $1.
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2
Wash the rock with soap and water, and allow it to dry.
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3
Lay newspaper down on a table. This will make for easy cleanup and prevent the work surface from becoming damaged.
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4
Plug in the hot glue gun and load a hot glue stick into it. Allow the glue gun to heat up to an appropriate temperature.
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5
Paint a turtle shell design on approximately three-quarters of the rock with a paintbrush. Use green, yellow and brown paints for a natural-looking pet rock turtle or bright colors for an off-the-wall creation.
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6
Position the googly eyes on the unpainted portion of the rock, and glue them in place with the hot glue gun.
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7
Cut two pipe cleaners in half. Glue two pieces to the front and two pieces to the back of the rock to mimic legs. Add a small pipe cleaner nub between the back legs for a tail, if desired.
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8
Allow the pet rock turtle to dry completely before introducing him to the family.
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Tips & Warnings
To get ideas for your turtle-shell pattern, refer to pictures in books at the library or on the Internet.
Create a habitat for your pet rock turtle out of a shoebox. Place moss, rocks and leaves in it.
Glue guns can cause painful burns if mishandled. Never allow children to operate them.
