Introduction: The Fastest Way to Make a Turtle Costume
Designing the costume was a school project introduction to systems engineering. In the activity, students deisgned and built an individual costume. Students practiced drawing technically and creating a plan of procedures. The students also learned to use precision and caution when cutting materials needed for this project. Trial and error and developing functionable 3-dimensional products were other valuable skills that were learned.
Design Brief
I designed, developed, and modeled a non fish marine life turtle costume.
Specifications
The costume had to fit a middle school aged child, around the ages of 10 to 13, and be used outdoors for trick - or - treating and play activites under minimal adult supervision. The costume could be made easily by adults using slotted construction. The costume can also be stored using flat pack design. The costume had to be marine themed as well.
Limitations
The materials used for this costume were restricted to recyclable cardboard. Adhesives were also not permitted for costume construction.
Step 1: Supply-Material List
Supply
S1)Cardboard, about the size of one dishwasher box for all parts
Tools And Equipment
T1) Cutting Mat-Protect floor while cutting Cardboard (S1) with Utility Knife (T2)
T2) Utility Knife-Cut Cardboard (S1)
T3) Ruler-Measure Cardboard (S1), Draw straight Lines
T4)Pencil-Draw Lines to Cut on
T5)Ship's Curve- Measure size of circles to cut on
T6)Circle Template/Compass- Measure size of circles to cut on
Step 2: Part List
P2) Leg (4)
P3) Body (1)
P4) Shell (1)
Step 3: P1) Head
2)Draw Measurement of the circle with (T4) pencil on (S1) Cardboard
3) Cut circle out of (S1) cardboardwith (T2) utility knife on (T1) Cutting Mat
4) Measure Radius 4.5" from edge of circle to the centeriwth (T3) Ruler
5) Cut 4.5" incision on radius with (T2) utility knife
Step 4: P2) Legs
2) Draw measurements with (T4) pencil
3) Cut out four (S1) cardboard pieces with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
Step 5: P3) Body
1) Measure 26" X 18" rectangle with (T3) ruler on (S1) cardboard
2) Draw measurements with (T4) pencil
3) Cut out rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
4) Measure 18" X 11" smaller rectangle on inside of larger rectangle with (T3) ruler. Smaller rectangle is 1" inside from longer sides of larger rectangle, 4" in from shorter sides.
5) Cut out smller rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
6) Cut two 3" incisions 1" up from shorter side and 1" in from both longer sides of larger rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
7) Cut two 3" incisions 2" down from other shorter side and 1" in from both longer sides of larger rectangle with (T2) utulity knife on (T1) cutting mat
8) Cut one 1' incision 1" up from smaller rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
9) Cut one 1' incision 1" down from smaller rectangle cut out and 3" in from both longer sides of larger rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
Step 6: P4) Shell
2) Draw measurements with (T4) pencil
3) Cut out rectangle with (T2) utility knife on (T1) on cutting mat
4) Measure two 1' flaps 2" up from each shorter side and 3" in from each longer side of the rectangle with (T3) ruler
5) Draw measurements with (T4) pencil
6) Cut out excess (S1) cardboard wo make flaps with (T2) utility knife on (T1) cutting mat
7) Measure oval with 24" circumference and 12" on each longer side with (T5) ships curve. Meaure 7" in at widest point from longer sids and 1' up at widest pont from shorter wides. Diameter measures 12" across longer side and 4" across shorter side
8) Draw measurements with (T4) pencil
9) Cut out oval with (T2) utility knife on (T1) on cutting mat
10) Fold (S1) cardboard horizontally in half so flaps match up
11) Fold both flaps upward
Step 7: Assembly - Shell and Body Front
Insert one (P4) shell flap into (P3) body front 1' incision
Step 8: Assembly - Shell and Body Back
Step 9: Assembly - Legs to Body Front
Step 10: Assembly - Legs to Body Back
Step 11: Assembly - Head to Body
Step 12: Assembly - Dressing Up in Costume
Place costume over your body. Place (P4) shell oval opening over your head so the shell rests on your shoulders. Arms have free mobility on either side of body when placed in the opening between (P3) body and (P4) shell.
Step 13: Final the Turtle Finished the Race
You may want to consider painting your costume to make it look more like a realistic turtle. Just remember to paint both sides of the cardboard or it will warp or bend, and to give the paint ample time to dry before you wear the costume.
The costume functions indoors or outdoors and is suited well for trick or treating.