Scoubidou, also known as boondoggle or lanyard, is a fun and creative craft that has gained popularity in recent years. Making a Scoubidou turtle is not only a delightful DIY project but also a great way to spend your time. Follow this step-by-step guide to create your very own Scoubidou turtle.
Materials you will need:
- Two strands of contrasting Scoubidou cords
- A pair of scissors
- A lighter
Step 1: Preparing the cords
Take the two strands of Scoubidou cords and cut them into equal lengths, approximately 60 cm each. It's important to ensure that both cords are of the same length to maintain symmetry in the turtle.
Step 2: Starting the turtle body
- Hold the two cords together and fold them in half. You should have four cords in total, with a loop at one end.
- Take the looped end and make a simple knot to secure the cords together. Leave a small loop at the top, as this will be your turtle's head.
- Divide the cords into two pairs, with two cords in each pair.
- Place one pair of cords in an "X" shape over the other pair. Cross the cords over in the center, creating a loop at the bottom.
Step 3: Weaving the turtle body
Now that you have the basic structure for the turtle body, it's time to start weaving. Follow these steps:
- Take the cord on the left side of the bottom loop and cross it over the top loop, creating a new bottom loop on the right side.
- Take the cord on the right side of the bottom loop and cross it over the top loop, creating a new bottom loop on the left side.
- Repeat these steps, alternating between left and right cords, until you reach your desired turtle body length.
Step 4: Forming the turtle shell
- After completing the desired body length, take the cords on the left and right sides and tie them together with a square knot to form the shell.
- Trim any excess cord length, leaving a small tail.
- Gently melt the tips of the tails with a lighter to prevent fraying. Be careful while using the lighter and ensure proper ventilation.
Step 5: Adding the finishing touches
Your Scoubidou turtle is almost complete! Now, let's give it a head and legs:
- Take one cord from the front and one cord from the back, closest to the head. Tie them together with a simple knot to form the front legs.
- Repeat the previous step to create the hind legs using the remaining two cords.
- Gently shape the head by pulling the looped end out slightly. You can also trim the excess cord length if desired.
- Your Scoubidou turtle is now complete and ready to be displayed or gifted to someone special!
Creating a Scoubidou turtle may seem intricate at first, but with practice, it becomes relatively easy. So, gather your materials and embark on this delightful crafting journey. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to embrace your creativity along the way!