If you notice a turtle or tortoise shell without a turtle inside (poor turtle), why not keep the shell as a decorative feature in your home?
Turtle and tortoise shells are beautiful and make a unique decorative addition to your home.
Here are the steps for how to preserve a turtle or tortoise shell to use as home decor.
photo courtesy of vibrant_art flickr.com/photos/vibrant_art/6943088712/Is it Allowed?
Before starting to preserve your tortoise or turtle shell, make sure you are allowed to have it.
Check with your local authorities so you don't get in trouble.
Some naughty people raise turtles just to have the shells, which is illegal.
Selling turtle shells can also be illegal.
Decomposition
Make sure the tortoise or turtle is completely gone from the shell before preserving it.
You can put the shell on an ant bed and let it sit there about a week.
You can bury it in your backyard for a month or so.
You can scrub it out yourself then let it sit in the sun for 24 hours.
Cleaning
Once you think the turtle or tortoise is 100% gone, put the turtle shell in a solution of Borax, water, and salt for 1 hour.
Rinse the turtle shell after that, then put it in another solution of vinegar and water for 1 hour.
Rinse it again and let it dry.
Scutes Falling Off?
If the turtle scutes (scales) fell off, just glue them back on using super glue or school glue to preserve them.
Varnish or Polyurethane
To keep the turtle or tortoise shell from flaking a part, cover it with clear varnish or polyurethane on both the inside and outside to preserve it.
Make sure to apply the varnish or polyurethane in an area with good ventilation and let it dry per the manufacturer's suggested time.
Felt Feet
If you are displaying the tortoise or turtle shell on nice furniture that may scratch, add felt feet #ad to the bottom of your turtle shell.
Most home improvement stores sell felt feet stickers that attach easily.
Other Articles You Might Like:
How to Clean and Polish Seashells
How to Bring the Outdoors Inside
How to Decorate Using Twigs, Branches, Driftwood, and Logs
How to Decorate Your Home Using Accessories from Nature
