Paper Turtle Craft {FREE template}

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This paper turtle craft really comes to life with a stuffed newspaper shell, paint and free printable template. No two turtles are the same. We used some traditional colors and patterns, but there are no limits or rules here. If you prefer that your sea turtle has a rainbow shell and a mohawk, then make it happen. If you want every fin to be a different color, go for it! Seriously, the only limit is your imagination with this fun animal craft.

Under the Sea Animals Paper Plate Crafts Collection

Your Kids are Going to Absolutely LOVE This Collection of Under the Sea Animals Paper Plate Crafts…

Did you know that sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act? There are 6 species of sea turtles in the United States. They spend most of their time in the water, but females come up on the beach to lay their eggs. Some can start out as small as 2 inches and grow to 6-9 feet and weighting 2000 pounds!

If you love sea turtles, check out this collection of ocean animals and give him some friends with these under the sea crafts too.

Save this Newspaper Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

PAPER TURTLE CRAFT FOR KIDS

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SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

  • Newspaper
  • Stapler with staples
  • Green construction paper
  • Paper plate
  • Scissors
  • Brown and green paint
  • Pompoms
  • Clothespin (optional)
  • Q-tips
  • Sea turtle craft template

This easy kids’ craft uses only supplies that are already in your craft bag if you have used our master list to fill your bag. Not only that, but you can make ANY craft on this website or in our kids’ craft ebooks (like this ebook with crafts inspired by classic children’s books). Just think about it…all the crafts you want to make at your fingertips with zero extra prep.

Paper Turtle Craft Instructions

Step 1: Cut Out the Shell

  • Find a section of newspaper that is primarily black and white print without colored pictures or ads. OR choose the comics page for a different look for your turtle craft.
  • Layer 2 pieces of half sheets of newspaper and cut a large oval shape. To make it a little easier, you can draw the oval shape first.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 1
STEP 1

Step 2: Use the Turtle Craft Template

  • Print out the turtle craft template (you can print it on regular printer paper and then use it as a template or print right onto green paper.)
  • Cut out all of the parts for your sea turtle craft, including 2 front flippers and 2 back flippers and his head.
SEA TURTLE CRAFT TEMPLATE STEP 2
STEP 2

Step 3: Put Together Your Sea Turtle Craft

  • Slide the head of the sea turtle between the 2 cut out newspaper ovals. Then secure it with a couple of staples.
  • Do the same with each of the parts of your turtle.
  • Now staple around the rest of the shell, but be sure to leave a section (about 5-6″ long) open so that you can stuff the shell later.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 3
STEP 3

Step 4: Paint the Turtle Craft Shell

  • Pinch your pompom with a clothespin to form a “paint brush”
  • Squeeze out some brown and green paints onto a paper plate.
  • Use your “paint brush” and q-tips to add details to your paper turtle craft.
  • You can use the picture as a reference, but really, there are no rules for this step. Just paint your turtle however you want.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 4
STEP 4

*If you really want to avoid the “mess” of paint, use markers or crayons for this step instead.

Step 5: Stuff It

  • Tear strips of newspaper and crumple them into balls.
  • Then put then into the hole that you left open to stuff the turtle’s shell.
  • Do not over-stuff.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 5
STEP 5

Step 6: Close It Up

  • Once you have filled the shell with crumpled newspaper, use your stapler to close the opening.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 6
STEP 6

Step 7: Finish Your Turtle Paper Craft

  • Last, give your turtle’s face some details, like googly eyes.
PAPER TURTLE CRAFT STEP 7
STEP 7

Crafting with your kids is something that you will never regret spending time on. It is SOOO worth it! And, I know that you believe that too since you are here. But have you gotten rid of those excuses yet and filled your bag? Once you do you will be ready to craft so many memories with your family.

Save this Sea Turtle Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

PAPER TURTLE CRAFT FOR KIDS
TURTLE CRAFT FOR KIDS
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