I decided to make this project 6 cm (2.3 in) x 4 cm (1.5 in). I started by rolling out a sheet of old polymer clay. Any color is fine as it will be covered up. I did a full bake and let it cool. Using some thick and flexible packaging that I had, I cut a single sheet for the back at 6 cm (2.3 in) x 4.5 cm (1.7 in) high, and a longer strip to cover the front and two sizes. I bent the plastic into shape using a small blow torch. Then using poly cement I assembled it as in the photo below.
Using a match that i split into two pieces I added them to the back to hide the join of the glass. For the inside I decided to go with items I found in my local hobby store, Townsville Hobbies. You can check out their google page here. I started by mixing together tacky glue and the fine sand to make a thin layer along the bottom, making sure to fill the edges, acting as a sealer for when I use resin later.
Once that set I added a thicker layer of my sand mixture to one side, I added a few super dry twigs that I found in my garden. If the twigs were green that can affect the clarity of the resin when I add that later.
Using a couple of sprigs of the lichen i carefully attached them to the hardening glue using a needle tool. I also added some 'grass' which is actually just fibers that I pulled from a coarse brush and trimmed to size.
Finally I added some card stock to the bottom rim just to hide the seams.
There are a lot of finger prints on the glass but that will disappear before I add the resin. I'm letting this dry for a full 2 days before I add any resin.
The resin I used was Diggers industrial casting resin, however any kind of resin you have on hand will be adequate. I mixed the resin as instructed and slowly dripped it in using a paddle pop stick. Just enough to cover 1 mm or 0.3 in of above the sand. I let that tack and added the turtles. I put a few drops of resin under the turtles to reduce bubbles from forming before I put them in. Once the turtles were in the position I wanted I slowly filled the remainder of the resin just to the tips of the turtle's noses. While the resin was still wet, I used a toothpick to create waves to simulate water movement.
Once the resin was dry after 24 hours, I went on to make a lid. I used a piece of base wood I painted black to match the base. I carved out a little slot to fit two hinged I found at a craft store.
Using a strip of the same card stock I used for the base, I glued it to the edges of the lid, leaving enough edge to fold over. I also attached the tiny hinges.
Card stock folded over on the top of the lid only, the bottom side will remain as it is.
Once the lid was completely dry, I attached it to the terrarium using poly cement glue.
Now my turtle haven is complete!
Hope you enjoy =)
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