making an oval hole in a cylinder

I am in the process of making a toy turtle. The plans indicate making a cyclinder or circle if you. The cylinder is 1 1/2 inched tall. It is 10 inches in diameter. The plans say to make six oval-shaped holes in this cylinder. The width of the oval holes is 3/4 inch. The length of the oval varies to accomodate either the tale, head or legs. How can I make these holes.