Are you ready to shell-ebrate creativity with a fun and easy project? Dive into the world of paper bag puppets with our turtle-tastic craft! It’s a fun craft that uses simple supplies like paper bags, glue and markers to transform ordinary materials into something extraordinary. Let’s get snapping and crafting, because this is one turtle-y awesome activity that’s bound to make a splash!
- Table Of Contents:
Materials
- Free printable template
- Printer
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paper bag
- Markers, pencil crayons or crayons
Instructions
Step 1)
Gather your materials and print off the free printable template. Choose from the full color version or the black and white version that you can color-in yourself.
Step 2)
Cut out the template pieces and color them in if you picked the black and white version.
Step 3)
Glue the turtle shell body to the front of your brown paper bag; it should sit slightly under the fold of the paper bag bottom that will be your turtle puppet’s head.
Step 4)
Glue the turtle head to the paper bag bottom and glue the turtle arms and legs to the shell. You can either glue the tail to the back of the paper bag, the front, or skip it all together.
You can also trim the extra paper bag off the top of the craft if you like the way it looks better.
Step 5)
Put your hand in the puppet and make it move! This is a great craft for imaginative play.
Video Tutorial
Prefer watching videos for your craft instructions? Check out the YouTube channel for Crafty Kids Play and watch the full video tutorial for this turtle paper bag craft here.
Turtle Paper Bag Template Download
Download your free printable paper bag turtle template from the link below this next image. The template is for your own personal use only, not for resale or commercial use.
You can print the full color version to make this turtle paper bag puppet craft a quick cut and paste craft for kids, or use the black and white version so your kids can color it in and get even more creative.
Tips & Troubleshooting
Printing Issues:
Ensure your printer settings are set to “Fit to Page” to avoid cropping the template.
If the template prints out too small or too large, check your printer’s scaling settings and adjust them to 100%.
Gluing Tips:
Use a glue stick for less mess and quicker drying time.
If the pieces don’t stick well, try a stronger adhesive like craft glue. For younger children, double-sided tape can be easier to handle.
Coloring Tips:
If markers bleed through the paper, try using colored pencils or crayons instead. Place a piece of scrap paper underneath to protect surfaces. It’s easier for kids to color first and then cut out the pieces, if they color outside of the lines there will be less mess on your table afterwards.
Cutting Tips:
Older kids should be able to manage completely on their own while younger kids should use safety scissors with adult supervision.
Benefits of This Turtle Craft For Kids
Boosts Creativity:
Let’s face it, kids love getting creative! Coloring in the turtle and decorating it with their own unique touches and craft supplies helps them express their creativity and imagination.
Develops Fine Motor Skills:
Cutting out the template pieces and gluing them onto the paper bag requires young children to use precision and coordination. This craft helps kids improve their fine motor skills, which are essential for writing and other tasks, while kids have so much fun.
Encourages Imaginative Play:
Once the puppet is done, the fun doesn’t stop! Kids can use their turtle puppet for imaginative play, creating stories, and puppet shows. It’s a great way for them to explore different scenarios and characters.
Encourages Patience and Focus:
Crafting takes time and patience. As kids work through the steps, they learn to focus on the task at hand and develop patience as they wait for glue to dry or carefully color within the lines.
Educational Value:
This is the perfect craft to use as an opportunity to teach kids about turtles, their habitats, and other interesting facts. It’s a fun way to combine crafting with learning.
Final Thoughts
This easy craft is a fun activity that can lead to pretend puppet play or a puppet show! It’s the perfect way to turn your kids favorite character turtles from their books and shows into real hands-on fun.
With simple craft supples you already have at home, printable activities like this are the best crafts for curious kids! They provide hours of entertainment and allow young imaginations to fly free.
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more magical crafts for kids of all ages and activities to keep little hands busy.
