Paper Bowl Turtle Craft for Kids

Turtles are definitely one of the most amazing sea animals for kids to learn about. Here is a paper bowl turtle craft that is a fun addition to your ocean animal lesson plans.

For this craft, we used a paper bowl, a recycled toilet paper roll, and colorful felt paper. Kids will love decorating the paper bowl with bright colors and patterns, making each turtle unique and full of personality.

We love crafts like this because they use simple materials and leave plenty of room for creativity. At the same time, children can enjoy cutting, painting, gluing, and decorating as they bring their turtle to life.

This easy summer craft is perfect for preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school kids. Plus, it comes with a free printable template to make crafting even easier. If you are planning on making more sea animal crafts, be sure to check out our collection of ocean animal crafts filled with lots of easy projects for kids.

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Supplies You Need to Make a Paper Bowl Turtle craft

1. Paper bowl
2. Paper bowl turtle template(Enter your details in the form within the instructions below to access the template)
3. Scissors
4. Acrylic paint
5. One colored construction paper/cardstock (US letter size)
6. One white construction paper (US letter size)
7. Black marker
8. Paper roll
9. Felt paper
10. Craft glue
11. Hot glue (to be used by grown-ups only)

Steps to make a paper bowl turtle craft

Turtles are truly remarkable animals. Not only can they live for a very long time, but they have also existed on Earth for millions of years. Now, let’s make our own paper bowl turtle craft inspired by these amazing sea animals.

Step 1

Take a paper bowl and a toilet paper roll. Paint the outside of the paper bowl green. Then paint the outside of the toilet paper roll with dark brown acrylic paint.

Once both pieces are fully covered, set them aside and allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 2

Next, choose felt paper in different colors and cut it into random shapes. This is a great opportunity for kids to practise their scissor skills while also talking about colors and shapes.

Once the shapes are ready, stick them onto the paper bowl one by one. Continue until the bowl is covered with colorful felt shapes and looks like a bright turtle shell.

Step 3

Download and print the turtle head template onto colored construction paper or cardstock. Then, print the eyes onto white construction paper.

To access the free printable template, simply enter your details in the form below and join our newsletter.

Step 4

Carefully cut out the turtle head and eyes. Glue the eyes onto the turtle head. Then, use a black marker to draw two small dots for the nostrils and add a smile.

Next, draw different-sized dots all over the turtle’s head to give it some extra detail and personality.

Step 5

Gently fold the turtle neck to create a tab for gluing. Then, stick the neck section to the inside of the paper bowl, making sure the turtle head stays on the outside.

Position the head so it stands slightly upright, making your turtle look like it is peeking out from its shell.

Step 6

Take the toilet paper roll and cut it into three approximately equal sections. These pieces will be used to create the turtle’s legs and tail.

Step 7

Take one piece of the paper roll and cut off a small section from it so the two ends look slightly curved. Repeat the same step with another piece of the paper roll.

These two pieces will be used as the front legs for our turtle.

Step 8

Now take the third piece of the paper roll and cut it into two pieces. Trim and shape each piece to form the two back legs of the turtle.

Step 9

Don’t throw away the trimmed pieces just yet. Use one of them to cut out a small triangle shape for the turtle’s tail.

You should now have two front legs, two back legs, and a tail, as shown in the picture below.

Step 10

Using hot glue, stick the tail to the back of the shell, opposite the turtle’s head. Then, stick the two back legs on either side of the tail.

Step 11

Next, glue the two front legs on either side of the turtle’s head. Since the front legs are slightly curved inwards at both ends, they help raise the front of the turtle slightly off the ground, giving it a more 3D appearance.

And that’s it! Our paper bowl turtle craft is complete. How cute did it turn out?

For some extra fun, poke a small hole in the front of the turtle and tie a piece of yarn through it. Let kids pull it along as they play. It’s a simple way to add a little movement and imaginative play to their finished craft.

More Turtle Crafts for Kids

Letter T Turtle Craft: This letter T turtle craft is a fun way to explore the letter T through coloring, cutting, and gluing. With a free printable template, it’s an easy and engaging activity to add to your alphabet lessons and ocean animal themes.

Handprint Turtle Craft: Here is an adorable handprint turtle craft that is perfect for kids who love ocean animals and hands-on creativity. What could be more fun than turning a handprint into a cute turtle while creating a special keepsake to treasure for years to come?

Paper Plate Turtle Craft: Here is an adorable paper plate turtle craft to enjoy with your kids this summer. This fun ocean animal craft uses simple supplies that you may already have at home, making it easy to set up and create. One of our favorite things about this turtle craft is its slightly raised shell, which gives it a fun 3D look.

Turtle-Themed Books for Kids

Pair these books with your turtle craft for extra fun and learning. They are a great way to extend the activity while helping kids discover more about turtles and ocean life.

All Things Turtles For Kids: This engaging nonfiction book introduces kids to the fascinating world of turtles through real-life photographs and easy-to-understand facts. Kids can learn about turtle habitats, diet, life cycle, characteristics, and more while enjoying colorful images throughout the book.

One Tiny Turtle: This beautifully illustrated book follows the incredible journey of a loggerhead turtle as she travels thousands of miles across the ocean before returning to the very beach where she was born to lay her eggs. Along the way, kids will learn fascinating facts about sea turtles, their life cycle, and the challenges they face in the wild.

The Box Turtle: This heartwarming story follows Terrance, a turtle who was born without a shell and uses a cardboard box instead. As he searches for the perfect shell, Terrance learns an important lesson about self-confidence, embracing differences, and being proud of who he is.

More Fun Craft Ideas for Kids

Paper Bowl Jellyfish Craft:

Turn a simple paper bowl into a cheerful jellyfish craft! With colorful paper chain tentacles and a hanging design, this fun ocean activity is sure to make a splash with kids. Perfect for summer crafting and sea life themes.

Diving Dolphin Craft:

Make a dolphin craft that really dives! This fun and interactive paper plate craft is perfect for kids who love ocean animals. Using two paper plates and a few simple supplies, children can create a playful dolphin that moves up and down through the waves.

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