A Review of the Schleich Carnotaurus Dinosaur Replica by Everything Dinosaur

Schleich have introduced two new models into their “World of History Prehistoric Animals” model series in 2013.  These models are Carnotaurus and Styracosaurus.  Everything Dinosaur has produced a brief (5 minutes 45 seconds) video review of Carnotaurus, this new replica of “meat-eating bull”.

In this review, we discuss the discovery of Carnotaurus, reflect on this model and the recently introduced Papo version of this enigmatic Theropod, plus we discuss how the model reflects the known fossil material ascribed to this genus.

Everything Dinosaur Reviews the Schleich Carnotaurus Dinosaur Model

Video Credit: Everything Dinosaur

It is our intention to produce a video review of the Styracosaurus replica, in the meantime, we have concentrated on the Schleich Carnotaurus dinosaur figure, looking at the model’s pose, the details on the head and on the articulated jaws.  The skin texture for example, does reflect what has been seen in the fossil record, (impressions of the right side of the animal preserved alongside other holotype material).

A dinosaur model aimed primarily at younger dinosaur fans, but one that has a lot of merit as far as model collectors are concerned and it makes an intriguing contrast to other Carnotaurus models.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of Schleich prehistoric animal models: Schleich Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models

Carnotaurus is a member of the Abelisaurids, a strange and enigmatic group of carnivorous dinosaurs known mostly from the southern hemisphere (not withstanding one controversial fossil claim from France).  They were unknown to science until about thirty years ago.  They seem to have been, like the Tyrannosaurids, one of the last clades of meat-eating dinosaur to have existed.

Schleich 2013 Styracosaurus Dinosaur Model in Review

The second of the new Schleich replicas introduced into their “World of History/Prehistoric Animal” model series is this striking model of the horned dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous of North America – Styracosaurus.  It is very appropriate for Schleich to add a Styracosaurus to their model range this year, as 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the naming and describing of “spiked lizard”.  The first species of Styracosaurus was named in 1913 by Lawrence Lambe, Canada’s first professional palaeontologist.

The Schleich Styracosaurus Dinosaur Model (2013)

“Spiked Lizard!” celebrates 100th birthday!

The model is painted a metallic blue, with speckles of white running in bands either side of the prominent backbone, which itself is painted a golden and orange colour.  These markings match the very colourful “eye flashes”, the skin covered holes in the huge neck frill.  The fenestrae (skin covered holes), are clearly visible in this model.  Some palaeontologists have speculated that a number of horned dinosaurs had such holes in their frills to help lighten them, whilst others have speculated that the holes only occurred as the animal grew and matured and perhaps the skin that covered them was used to flash warnings at rivals or to deter predators.  The large “eye flashes” on this Schleich replica would have made a stunning visual display and alarmed all but the most determined predator.

The spikes and the single horn are painted a white colour, to give the impression of solid bone.  The open beak of this dinosaur figure is also painted this colour and the detail around the mouth is remarkable, the row of teeth that can be made out in the maxilla for example.

The Styracosaurus model measures seventeen centimetres from the tip of the beak to the end of the somewhat stumpy tail.  Based on an adult Styracosaurus albertensis, which might have reached lengths in excess of five and a half metres, it is estimated that the scale of this replica is approximately 1:32 scale.  The model gives an impression of a stocky, powerful animal, one that would have weighed nearly three tonnes in real life.

To view the Schleich range of prehistoric animal models: Schleich Prehistoric Animal Models

It is pleasing to note that the design team at Schleich have taken care to get the number of digits on the front feet correct and the skin texture on this replica is excellent, there are even folds of skin behind the heavy-looking neck frill.

The Robust Ceratopsian Styracosaurus (Schleich Styracosaurus Dinosaur Model)

Styracosaurus dinosaur model

Picture  Credit: Everything Dinosaur

This is a solid and robust model of a solid and robust horned dinosaur, one of the more spectacular Ceratopsians known from the Campanian faunal stage of the Late Cretaceous.  This herbivorous dinosaur probably lived in herds and a fully grown Styracosaurus would have been a formidable adversary of the large Tyrannosaurids that were the apex predators in North America during this part of the Mesozoic.

An attractive dinosaur model, a welcome addition to the Schleich model range, one that marks the 100th anniversary of the naming of the first species of Styracosaurus with some style.

Model of Concavenator (Safari Ltd) Reviewed by Everything Dinosaur

It is always pleasing so see replicas of some of the more unusual dinosaurs introduced, especially if it is a model of a bizarre European Theropod.  Concavenator, known from just a single fossil specimen, has just been added to the Carnegie Collectibles model series made by Safari Ltd.  This is a colourful dinosaur model, the only new addition to the Carnegie Collectibles range this year.  Everything Dinosaur team members have produced a short (under five minutes) video review, in which we discuss the merits of this replica and attempt to shed some light on this dinosaur’s strange hump/crest that ran backgrounds from near the base of the tail.

Everything Dinosaur’s Concavenator Dinosaur Model Review

Video Credit: Everything Dinosaur

In this video, our team members speculate that this carnivorous dinosaur was not a predator that lived on the open plains of Las Hoyas, but that it was similar to the Theropod called Eotyrannus (E. lengi).  It may have been a forest dweller, a cursorial predator of the animals that shared its woodland home.  If this is the case, then it begs the question what larger Theropod dinosaurs may be awaiting discovery in the Lower Cretaceous sediments of this part of the Iberian mountains.

To view the Carnegie Collectibles dinosaur model collection: Carnegie Dinosaur Models including Concavenator et al

A Review of the World of History (Schleich Prehistoric Animals) Carnotaurus

Dinosaur models are a bit like buses, you wait ages for a model to come along and then two arrive in quick succession.  First Papo of France introduced their Carnotaurus replica and now Schleich of Germany have added a Carnotaurus to their not-to-scale prehistoric animal model series.  The two models are very different, the Schleich figure suggests a much more robust and heavy animal with a strong set of jaws.

Named and described back in 1985 after an almost complete skeleton was excavated from Upper Cretaceous sediments located in Argentina, Carnotaurus is a very bizarre looking Theropod dinosaur.  The name Carnotaurus means “meat-eating bull”, a reference to the two horns that stick out sideways from just above the eyes.  The skull itself is very short and this dinosaur had a very blunt muzzle, with a shallow lower jaw.  Studies of skull material have suggested that this dinosaur had an acute sense of smell, Schleich have chosen to give their Carnotaurus replica prominent nostrils and a considerable overbite.  This member of the Abelisaurids had a strong neck and some large muscle attachments associated with the jaws, which seem to be at odds with the relatively weak lower jaw and the disproportionately small teeth.

The Carnotaurus Model (Schleich of Germany)

Fierce Abelisaurid from South America.

The model measures twenty-one centimetres in length, with the head held ten centimetres off the ground.  Based on an estimated size of around seven and a half metres, this model of Carnotaurus is in approximately 1:35 scale.

The arms of Carnotaurus are extremely small, much smaller in proportion to the rest of its body than the arms on a similar sized Tyrannosaurid.  These stumpy arms were relatively immobile, they could not reach the jaws and they would have been useless at grasping had helping to subdue prey.   This dinosaur had four fingers on each hand, one of which, the first digit, seems to have pointed backwards, although in this Schleich model only three fingers are represented.

To view Schleich prehistoric animal models available from Everything Dinosaur: Schleich Prehistoric Animal Models

Thanks to some excellent skin impressions from the right flank of the specimen excavated along with the other holotype material, palaeontologists have a very good idea about how Carnotaurus looked.  Its body was covered with small, pebble-like scales with lines of larger scales (scutes), forming rows running along the flanks.  The design team at Schleich have been careful to recreate their dinosaur with these features on the skin.

This replica is reminiscent of the Carnotaurus depicted in the Disney film “Dinosaur” that was released in 2000 AD.  Even the mauve colouration is very similar to that seen in Disney CGI movie although in the film these Theropods were referred to as “Carnotaurs”.

Schleich Carnotaurus Model 

The Schleich Carnotaurus – 1:35 scale approximately.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The model has oversized feet, an aid to stability, as it is often difficult to get bipedal dinosaur models to stand unassisted, but this does not detract from the stance or the pose.   This Carnotaurus is nicely crafted, although clearly aimed at younger dinosaur fans, with its slightly rubbery almost springy feel, it makes an interesting contrast to other Carnotaurus replicas introduced recently.

Spinosaurus (Carnegie Collectibles Spinosaurus) Gets Reviewed

A few weeks ago, we asked our loyal followers what dinosaurs and prehistoric animal models they would like us to review.  We are grateful for all the suggestions that we received and slowly but surely we are getting through the list that was compiled.  One of the most popular requests was for Everything Dinosaur to produce a video review of the Carnegie Collectibles Spinosaurus dinosaur model, so this is exactly what we have done.

This short review ( 5 minutes 25 seconds), explains a little about the fossil evidence which has led a number of scientists to postulate that this dinosaur was perhaps the largest, carnivorous, terrestrial, animal known to science.  The approximate scale of this replica is discussed and we consider what purpose the sail-like structure on the back of this animal might have had.

Everything Dinosaur’s Video Review of Spinosaurus (Carnegie Collectibles by Safari Ltd)

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of Carnegie Collectibles: Carnegie Collectibles Dinosaur Models

Launched in 2009 this Spinosaurus model has proved to be very popular with collectors and dinosaur fans.  It is interesting to note the great variety of Spinosaurid models available, each manufacturer seems to have their own distinct interpretation of the fossil material.  Safari Ltd have made their Spinosaurus look very graceful, even elegant.  It is a long-limbed, lightweight version of Spinosaurus.  This contrasts with other Spinosaurus models such as the recently introduced Spinosaurus (World of History) replica made by Schleich.

To see a video review of the Schleich Spinosaurus: World of History Spinosaurus Dinosaur Model Reviewed

A Review of the T. rex Glow in the Dark Skeleton Wall Sticker

Tyrannosaurus rex, the Late Cretaceous dinosaur famed with its huge teeth and powerful jaws is very popular with young dinosaur fans, both boys and girls and here is a half metre long glow in the dark wall sticker to help make any child’s bedroom their very own Jurassic Park.

It can often be quite tricky trying to create a child’s bedroom with a dinosaur theme.  Posters and such like certainly help but when it is bedtime the wall posters cannot be seen any more, but this Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton can as it glows in the dark.  Once exposed to a light source for a few minutes the plastic pieces that make up this wall display item are able to glow with an inflorescence and quite a striking image this little kit makes too.

The Tyrannosaurus rex Glow in the Dark Dinosaur Sticker Kit

A glow in the Dark T. rex wall poster

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The pieces are easy to put together, the handy picture on the front of the pack that this kit is supplied in shows the glow in the dark skeleton assembled.  It  provides all the guidance that is required and it only takes a few minutes to construct the Tyrannosaurus rex.  Then it is just a question of deciding where to display it.  Most young dinosaur fans (recommended age is three years plus), would be delighted with this glow in the dark kit, but just to make sure that your young palaeontologists does not get too frightened, it might be a good idea to leave the pieces out on the floor for the first night, so that the child can get used to the glow in the dark dinosaur effect.   To further ease any initial worries about a scary dinosaur in their bedroom at night, get the child to help put together the skeleton and to assist in deciding where in the bedroom this wall sticker is to be put up.

This dinosaur skeleton kit is certainly big, when put together it measures more than fifty centimetres in height, so a considerable amount of wall space is required to show it off.  We found the darker the wall, the better the kit appeared to look.

The kit can be easily taken off the wall and re-positioned if required.  One tip that we found particularly useful was to glue the skeleton onto a piece of black material, sticking it to a large, square section of cardboard that had been painted black worked equally well.  Then it was simply a question of pinning up the material or hanging the cardboard backing on the wall.  The dark background effect that this creates really shows off the glow in the dark properties of the plastic pieces.

Mounted on a Dark Background to Maximise the Glow in the Dark Effect

Over half a metre high.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Even a few minutes exposure to natural light seemed to charge up the skeleton so that it glowed quite effectively once the bedroom light was turned off.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of dinosaur themed bedroom items: Ideas to Theme a Child’s Bedroom with Dinosaurs

This is an inexpensive and cleverly designed glow in the dark  T. rex  kit.  Admittedly, the skeleton may not be all that anatomically correct but it is accurate enough with the large skull and big teeth to make young dinosaur fans look forward to bedtime.

Dinosaurs at Bedtime – Glowing T. rex Skeleton

Night time with Dinosaurs.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Review of the Glow Fossil Science Kit

Budding young palaeontologists get the chance to build their own glow in the dark Tyrannosaurus rex skull, excavate a replica of fossilised shark’s tooth and to make casts of fossils in this well thought out and cleverly designed glow fossil science kit.

The Glow Fossil Science Kit

Ideal for budding young palaeontologists

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

This fun science kit is aimed at children from 8 years and upwards, although slightly younger children who are dinosaur fans would enjoy these activities too, although they may require more adult supervision.  The kit is supplied in a sturdy box and contains everything that is needed t play like a young palaeontologist and learn some of the aspects involved with studying fossils.  For example, the skull of the T. rex is easy to assemble and comes with a handy display stand to mount it on.  The glow in the dark shark’s tooth can be found in a gypsum plaster block and the tools required to dig it out, to excavate the shark’s tooth are contained within the kit.  Once the tooth has been freed, the leather cord, that also comes with the kit, can be used to make a shark’s tooth necklace, although we would advise some adult supervision when it comes to tying the tooth to the cord.  It is a good idea to put plenty of newspaper down and to work on a flat service, once the tooth has been excavated, the plaster remains can be disposed of.  Do not be tempted to throw the remains of the plaster block down the sink, there is a risk that the plaster could block the drain.

Jam Packed with Fossil Themed Activities

contains plaster, digging tool, paints, special glow paint, fossil moulds, brush etc.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Included in this kit, there is a plastic tray that contains the moulds used to make fossil casts.  For instance, using the plaster of paris casting powder that is provided (two packets per science kit), a replica of the fossilised shell of an Ammonite can be made.  There are also moulds for a Trilobite, a fossilised fish and a three-toed, tridactyl dinosaur footprint.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of dinosaur themed science kits: Dinosaur Themed Science Kits

A set of paints and a small paint brush is provided, along with some special glow paint that once applied makes the items glow in the dark.  We noted that it only took a few minutes exposure to a light source to make the fossils that we had created glow.  We advise that the paint brush be reserved for painting, it is best not to use it to brush away any pieces of plaster when excavating the various model pieces.

The moulds are very detailed and there is plenty of plaster in the kit to make several casts, this is a well-crafted junior science kit that will thrill young dinosaur fans.

A Review of the Carnegie Collectible Concavenator (Safari Ltd)

Named and described back in 2010 from a single fossil specimen, Safari Ltd have been quick to create a model of the fearsome predator Concavenator  and add it to their Carnegie Collectibles scale model range of prehistoric animals.  Concavenator fossil material consists of a partial skull, some vertebrae and bones from the hip region.  Although this dinosaur is known from just one fossil specimen and a fragmentary one at that, when discovered, the fossils were some of the best preserved Theropod fossils to have been found in Europe.

The fossils of Concavenator (Concavenator corcovatus) were discovered in Lower Cretaceous strata in the Iberian mountains of Spain (Las Hoyas site).  During the Early Cretaceous, this part of Europe was covered in lush, verdant forests with rivers feeding a number of large lakes.  It is likely that the carcase of this dinosaur was washed into a lake and quickly buried, hence its excellent state of preservation.  Estimated to have measured more than five metres long, Concavenator was a formidable hunter.  Palaeontologists have speculated that this meat-eating dinosaur specialised in hunting smaller animals that shared its forest home.  The lithe model figure gives the impression of an agile hunter with strong grasping hands, ideal for snatching up prey.

The Carnegie Collectibles Concavenator Dinosaur Model

Carnegie Collectibles Concavenator dinosaur model.

The model measures twenty-five centimetres although the long tail of this dinosaur makes up nearly half of the total length of the replica.  In the literature related to this Safari Ltd model a scale of 1:25 is stated and this reflects the scientific view based on current fossil material.  The model is supplied with a clear plastic stand to support it in its dynamic pose with head tilted and mouth wide open.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s range of Carnegie Collectible dinosaurs: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models

Perhaps the most striking feature of this Cretaceous dinosaur is the long sail-like structure that is depicted in bright red and contrasting sandy hues on the Carnegie Collectibles model.  Palaeontologists found that the eleventh and twelfth vertebrae of the fossil specimen looked very different to the other back bones. It was speculated that these enlarged vertebrae supported a structure such as a short sail-like anatomical feature or a fleshy hump.

Why Concavenator possessed such a feature remains a mystery.  It could have been a storage area for body fats to help this dinosaur survive leaner times, as seen in today’s extant camels and bison, but although a number of theories have been proposed there has still not been a definitive answer provided.  The lack of fossil material is hampering scientists in their investigations.

Safari Ltd Carnegie Collectibles Concavenator Dinosaur 

Fearsome Early Cretaceous predator.

The long, narrow, teeth-lined jaws of the Concavenator have a considerable gape, the body is painted with brown stripes, ideal camouflage for a forest hunter.  This suggests that the design team at Safari Ltd have taken great care when choosing this model’s colour scheme.

All in all, a delightful addition of an unusual Theropod dinosaur to the Carnegie Collectibles range of prehistoric animal scale models.  One that will prove popular with dinosaur model collectors, especially those who specialise in collecting models of European prehistoric animals.

A Review of the Gastornis Replica from the Wild Safari Dinos Model Range

One of the new additions to the diverse range of prehistoric animal models offered by Safari Ltd in their Wild Safari, Dinos and Prehistoric Life model series is an exciting replica of the “Terror Bird” known as Gastornis.   This American based manufacturer of figures and models has built up a very strong reputation for the quality of their creations and this new model of a giant, flightless bird is no exception.

The genus of flightless birds ascribed to Gastornis have fossils that date from the Late Palaeocene Epoch to the Late Eocene (58 to 41 million years ago).  During this period in Earth’s history, the mammals may have radiated and diversified, but in many habitats the largest terrestrial creatures were giant, flightless birds.  Some specimens of Gastornis for example, may have exceeded more than two metres in height.  Fossil remains found in Europe, notably France and Germany indicate a robust, heavy bird with relatively short legs.  The Safari Ltd replica has the head bent down and forward somewhat, as if this prehistoric creature was about to grab some unsuspecting Creodont (an extinct Order of mammals).

The Gastornis “Terror Bird” Model

Model of a giant, flightless bird but was it a predator?

The broad beak is beautifully painted and the design team have made sure to include lots of detail around the mouth, including the creature’s pink tongue.  Having the bird posed with its beak open permits this detail to be shown, but in real life most birds don’t wander round with their mouths open.  Ironically, a significant proportion of prehistoric animal replicas are posed with their  mouth’s wide open, one of the unusual aspects of model collecting when comparing figures to extant creatures.

The paintwork on the model shows the usual care and attention with the striking, almost metallic blue of the skull contrasting well with the dark overtones of the bird’s plumage.  It was particularly pleasing to note that the feathers immediately behind the head have been painted a much darker colour than the rest of the body.  Many birds, such as those of the Crane family (Gastornis may be related to Cranes), show variation in feather colouration around the back of the head and neck.  With many living species of birds that show this trait, the colouration differences are used in courtship displays, perhaps the giant Gastornis had an intricate and graceful courtship, unfortunately, since this genus of prehistoric bird has no near extant relatives this can only be speculated upon.

The model is supplied with a clear plastic stand that can be used to support the figure if needed.  As with all bipedal models it can be quite tricky sculpting a replica that remains stable even on  a deep pile carpet.  Individual feathers can be picked out, a nice touch, they give the impression of a shaggy, feathery coat, but the feathers seem more asymmetrical in shape when compared to the bristle-like feathers of modern-day flightless birds such as the Kiwi and Rhea.

A Close up of the Head of the Model Gastornis

Vivid paintwork on the back of the skull

The tiny wings are very well depicted and each wing has a black margin of feathers running along the rearward edge, the wings are vestigial, the likes of Gastornis evolving into a cursorial animal, a creature of the hot and humid tropical forests that stretched around the world during the early Cenozoic.

To view the range of Safari Ltd models available from Everything Dinosaur: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models

Scientists remain uncertain as to the diet of this particular “Terror Bird”.  Academics studying fossils in the 19th and 20th Centuries were broadly in agreement that this four hundred kilogramme bird must have been carnivorous.  Biomechanical studies carried out on the beak and the skull suggested that this creature had a bone-crushing bite.  However, more recent studies have suggested that the lack of talons on the feet and relatively slow running speed of this bird may indicate a herbivorous or omnivorous diet.  For example, the huge beak with its immense rostrum would have made a very effective nut cracker.  Perhaps, this giant of the Palaeocene/Eocene fed on seeds and nuts with the odd small mammal or lizard thrown in for good measure.

Diatryma or Gastornis – An Explanation

Growing up it was often confusing when it came to this particular flightless bird.  In some textbooks, it was referred to as Gastornis, whilst in others it was named as Diatryma.  The first fossils ascribed to either genus were scientifically described in 1855 and the species G. parisiensis was erected.  The species name refers to the fact that the first Gastornis fossils were discovered near Paris.  In 1876, the famous American palaeontologist Edward Drinker Cope named and described a new type of giant, flightless bird from fossils found in the western United States.  The genus of Diatryma came into being.  In the late 19th Century and into the 20th Century more fossils of Gastornis/Diatryma were found and it was discovered that the fossilised bones were very similar anatomically.  So similar that in fact the  fossils of birds known as Diatryma could just as well be ascribed to the Gastornis genus.  As the name Gastornis was established first, it is regarded as the senior synonym of Diatryma.  Scientists still debate whether the fossils from the United States are sufficiently different from those found in Europe to allow a distinct genus (Diatryma) to be validated.

These flightless birds, predatory or not could be regarded as the very last descendants of the Theropod dinosaurs to hold a position amongst the megafauna in terrestrial habitats.  As the Palaeocene ended and the Eocene started mammals had begun to take over the dominate ecosystems.

Everything Dinosaur’s Scale Drawing of Gastornis (G. parisiensis)

1.75 to 2 metres tall.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

It is was a pleasure to see a Gastornis added to the Wild Safari Dinos model collection.  The figure measures a fraction under eleven centimetres in length, so it represents something like a 1:15 scale replica of the extinct bird.  This model will no doubt, prove popular with dinosaur model collectors and those enthusiasts who prefer to collect more unusual prehistoric animal figures.

A “DIY Dinosaur” Craft Kit In Review

An ideal gift for a young dinosaur fan that combines a fascination for all things dinosaur with a practical craft kit.  This make your own dinosaur kit has proved popular both with young children and with their parents and guardians.  Each kit contains all that is required to make a felt, dinosaur soft toy.  The box contains felt shapes already cut to shape, stuffing material, glue, wiggly eyes, thread and a needle for the sewing.  The instructions are written in plain English and they are a little light on detail but there are some handy diagrams to assist budding young crafters.

The Make Your Own Dinosaur Craft Kits

A “DIY Dinosaur” Craft Kit

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

There are two different dinosaurs in the series, each kit is supplied with the materials to make one dinosaur.  There is a purple Stegosaurus complete with yellow felt spots and armour plates made from diamond-shaped felt pieces that have already been cut out for you.  The second dinosaur in the kit series is the carnivorous Tyrannosaurus rex.  The felt pieces in our kit were light green in colour, with some blue pieces to make the underside of the soft toy.  The set even included a series of pink felt spots that could be glued onto the flank of the T. rex, so that a pink, spotted “Tyrant Lizard King” could be made.  The teeth of this meat-eating dinosaur were made from pieces of white coloured felt that had already been pre-cut.   They were a little difficult to sew into the mouth, but a dab of glue to secure them first did the trick.

The Make Your Own Dinosaur – Purple Stegosaurus

A colourful and easy to make Stegosaurus soft toy.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

The stuffing material provided was just enough to fill out the animal, however, if young dinosaur fans are concerned about this at all, cotton wool can be used to help “plump up” your dinosaur if required.  The first thing to do is to check that you have all the contents of the kit, they are supplied in clear plastic bags so that the contents can easily be checked.  Watch out for the sewing needle, the point of the needle was held securely by a small, bright yellow block of foam in our kits.  This would prevent anyone from pricking their finger as the kit was opened.  Once you are ready to start, the first job is to sew the body pieces together.  If the young dinosaur fan is not that good at sewing the pieces  they can always be glued first before stitching together.  Sew the underside to the rest of the body, but leave a gap for the pink or red mouth piece, as it is through the mouth that you push the stuffing material to fill out your dinosaur.

Once the mouth has been sewn in place, it is then a question of  sewing together the limbs, the front limbs of the T. rex proved to be the most fiddly, this is because they were much smaller than the back legs.  Don’t forget to stuff the limbs with the soft, stuffing material and then when this stuffing job has been completed, the limbs can be sewn onto the body.  A dab of glue can help to secure the legs and arms in place before sewing commences.  It is also a good idea to spend a little time working out where on the body the legs will go, a bit of care at this stage will help you create a more aesthetically pleasing end result.

The Make Your Own Dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex Craft Kit

A DIY “Tyrant Lizard King”.

Picture Credit: Everything Dinosaur

Once the legs are finished, it is just a question of decorating your dinosaur.  With the Tyrannosaurus rex, as mentioned earlier, the set contained some pink felt dots that could be glued onto the body to make a spotted dinosaur.  The Stegosaurus kit comes with some yellow pre-cut felt shapes so that you can decorate your soft toy and add the row of spikes at the end of the tail.  The last thing to do is to glue the wiggly eyes in place (we call them “goggle eyes”) and you have made your very own soft toy dinosaur.

To view Everything Dinosaur’s wide range of dinosaur themed educational products and craft kits: Dinosaur Arts and Crafts

This kit is suitable for children aged six years and upwards, although an adult with some craft and sewing skills on hand to assist where necessary would be very helpful.  It was difficult to make the bipedal T. rex stand upright but that did not seem to detract from the sense of achievement for having made a “prehistoric animal”.

A simple and fun to make dinosaur kit, with the added benefit of having everything you need to make your dinosaur contained in the box.  Ideal for young dinosaur fans from six years or older and a great hobby or craft idea.  After all, you can resist making their own “DIY dinosaur”.