Craft Stick Turtle

Looking for a fun, easy, and adorable project to do with kids? This turtle popsicle stick craft is a perfect choice! In just 30 minutes, you can create a cute turtle using supplies you likely already have at home.

Kids of all ages will enjoy making these charming turtles, from preschoolers to older children. Whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, at a summer camp, or during a party, this project is sure to delight.

These turtles also make wonderful decorations for your fridge, a party table, or even your windows when paired with a suction cup. Add a magnet or a hanging loop, and these ocean-themed crafts will be ready to display anywhere.

When to Make This Turtle Craft

Ocean-themed parties: These turtles make adorable party decorations or a fun activity for guests. Kids can take their creations home as party favors!
Ocean unit studies in school or at home: Incorporate this craft into lessons about marine life to make learning hands-on and exciting for kids.
A beach vacation activity: Bring the beach vibes indoors with this craft, a great way to wind down after a day of sun and sand.
Party crafts for kids to take home: This project is a hit at any gathering, providing a creative activity and a keepsake for kids to remember the day.
Summer camp crafts: Perfect for camp programs, this craft is easy to set up, quick to complete, and sure to be a camper favorite.
Anytime you’re looking for a fun activity: Whether it’s a rainy day or a quiet weekend afternoon, this craft is a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged.

Why You’ll Love This Turtle Craft

There’s so much to love about this craft! It’s simple enough for preschoolers to enjoy but engaging for older kids too.

The supplies are easy to find at any dollar store, big box store, or online, and you may already have most of them at home. The project is quick to complete, taking just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for short attention spans or busy schedules.

Plus, the end result is a cheerful ocean animal craft that kids can proudly display or gift to others.

Tips and Tricks for the Turtle Popsicle Stick Craft

Use markers or crayons instead of paint: This keeps the craft mess-free and faster to finish.
Pre-glue craft sticks or pre-cut felt pieces: Perfect for younger kids or larger groups.
Switch out materials: Try pompoms, sequins, or paint dots in place of buttons.
Get creative with colors: Match your turtles to your décor or let the kids go wild with fun, bright colors.
Craft glue or hot glue: For younger children, craft glue works well, though it requires drying time. For a faster assembly, use hot glue with adult supervision.
Swap out felt for foam or paper: These materials are just as effective and may already be in your craft supplies.

Ready to dive into making this preschool ocean craft? Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions and a free printable template to guide you through creating your very own sea animal craft. With just a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity, your turtle will come to life in no time!

How to Make a Turtle Craft

Materials:

Jumbo Craft Sticks
Wiggle Eyes
Dark Green Craft Felt
Green Buttons (assorted)
Black Marker
Liquid Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Bright Green Craft Paint
Paintbrush
Scissors
Printed Pattern

Instructions:

To create the turtle, line up six jumbo craft sticks on your work surface. Using scissors, trim additional jumbo craft sticks to the width of the turtle and attach with glue.

Cut a regular craft stick in half with scissors and glue to the top of the turtle.

*We used a glue gun and glue sticks for this tutorial, but you can use liquid craft glue if you prefer.

Paint the turtle with bright green craft paint. Let dry, and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Download, print, and cut out the turtle patterns.

Trace all patterns onto dark green craft felt with a black marker.

Cut out all the patterns with scissors. Make sure to cut inside the traced lines so you end up with a clean finished project.

Attach the head to the top and the tail to the bottom of the turtle with glue.

Glue the large and small flippers onto the right and left sides of the turtle’s body.

Attach two wiggle eyes to the turtle’s head with glue.

Attach assorted green buttons to the turtle’s shell with glue. Pick interesting buttons in a variety of shades of green.

To finish, outline the turtle’s head, tail, and flippers with a black marker.

This popsicle stick craft is a delightful activity that’s as fun to make as it is to display. Whether you’re creating them for a summer party, a classroom ocean theme, or simply a rainy-day project, these turtles are sure to bring smiles. Gather your supplies, download the free template, and let the crafting begin!