Slow and steady wins the craft! These printable turtle templates are perfect for the most-loved turtle project of all — the paper plate turtle. Colour them, cut them out, or download the PDF to print at full size, then design a shell that's all your own. Great for reptile and pond themes and ocean adventures alike. Pick a turtle below and print or download it.
Make a paper plate turtle
Here's the classic: paint a paper plate green and let it dry to make a sturdy turtle shell, then add the head, four legs and tail from the template. Want it to wobble? Attach the head and tail with paper fasteners so they move. It's a simple, satisfying craft that turns out brilliantly every time.
Design the shell
The shell is your blank canvas — and no two turtles ever look the same! Decorate yours with a mosaic of torn tissue-paper squares, strips of washi tape, or your own painted patterns. Stick coloured tissue over an outline and pop it in the window to make a pretty turtle suncatcher.
Reptiles, ponds and the sea
Turtles make a great reptile or pond project — add a frog and a crocodile for a watery scene. Heading to the ocean instead? Don't miss our sea turtle templates. A lovely fact to share as you craft: a turtle carries its home on its back wherever it goes! Find lots more in the full animals collection.
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Raccoon stencils
Hedgehog stencils
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Palm stencils