Turtle Craft: Create a Mossy Garden on a Turtle Shell

This turtle craft is a fun little follow-up to my last post, where I shared some of my favorite books by Jan Brett. If you’ve read my Jan Brett book guide, you know how much I love the cozy, detailed worlds she creates—and Mossy is one of those stories that practically begs for a craft to go along with it.

In Mossy, a little turtle’s carapace becomes covered in moss, flowers, and other bits of nature, turning her shell into a marvelous mini garden. I’ve seen a few Mossy-inspired crafts, and I thought it would be fun to make our own.

So that’s exactly what we’re doing today! We’re creating a sweet mossy turtle craft with a garden growing right on its shell. It’s simple enough for kids to make, and I’ve included a free pdf to use as a template with your kids.

If you’re reading Mossy together, looking for a nature-inspired craft, or just need an easy afternoon activity, this is a fun one to try after you turn the last page.

Turtle Craft Materials

This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links. I may earn a commission from sales made. Thank you!

For this turtle craft, you will need:

Free Printable turtle template
Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
Glue
Natural materials collected outdoors
A tray, basket, or small container for collecting nature items
Mossy by Jan Brett (optional read, but inspiring)

For the nature garden, students can look for small pieces such as moss, grass, tiny leaves, flower petals, seeds, small twigs, and other lightweight natural treasures. (Fallen or dried materials work great for this project.)

How to Make the Mossy Turtle Craft

1. Go on a Nature Hunt and Collect Items for Your Turtle.

Before you get started making your turtle craft, take students outside for a short nature walk or give them time to explore an outdoor area. The goal is to collect small pieces of nature to create a mossy garden on the turtle’s shell.

Nature items to look for:

Moss
Tiny leaves
Grass
Small flowers or petals
Seeds
Small twigs
Evergreen sprigs
Bits of bark
Other small, lightweight natural treasures

Encourage students to notice the different colors, textures, shapes, and sizes they find. This turns a simple craft into an opportunity for observation and nature exploration.

2. Print the Free Turtle Template and Begin Coloring the Turtle

Give each student a turtle template. Since the turtle is shown from a top-down view, students can easily see the head, legs, fins, and shell.

Have students color the head, legs, and fins using crayons, markers, or colored pencils. They can make their turtle realistic or use any colors they like. (We use Ohuhu alcohol markers – three shades of green)

This is a great opportunity to encourage students to personalize their turtles. They might choose natural greens and browns, bright colors, patterns, or even create a completely imaginary turtle.

3. Create a Garden on the Shell

Bring the collected nature items back to the crafting area. Now the fun begins! Have students arrange their treasures on the turtle’s carapace (shell) to create their own miniature garden. They can experiment with different arrangements before gluing anything down.

Maybe the moss or greenery covers most of the shell. Then perhaps they can place tiny flowers scattered throughout. Students can also create designs using twigs and leaves.

There is no right or wrong way to make the garden—the goal is to let students use their imagination.

4. Glue the Nature Materials in Place

Once students are happy with their designs, have them carefully glue the natural materials onto the turtle’s shell. Depending on the materials being used, students may need a little extra glue for heavier pieces. Allow the finished turtles to dry completely before displaying them.

To finish off the craft, have your student trace the word ‘Turtle’ using their best handwriting.

Pair This Turtle Craft With Jan Brett’s Book, Mossy

If you are looking to make a literacy connection, this turtle craft can be paired with Jan Brett’s Mossy. If you haven’t read this sweet story yet, I definitely recommend picking it up and reading it with your little ones before you get started.

In the story, Mossy grows a stunning garden on her carapace (shell). When she is discovered, she is whisked away to a museum but isn’t happy. She misses her home and her friend. Dr. Carolina and her niece find a way to display her unique shell at the museum while letting her return home…

Note: You can also use the activity without reading the book. The craft is a fun way to combine art and nature all on its own.

A Simple Nature-Inspired Art Activity

I love a craft that gets kids outside interacting with the natural world; If I can add a literacy connection, it makes it even more worth the time and effort.

What makes this Turtle Craft especially fun is that the finished artwork is different for every student. The turtle template provides the starting point, but the natural materials students find and the way they design them determine what their finished shell will look like.

It is also an easy activity to adapt for different ages. Younger students can focus on coloring and gluing, while older students can spend more time observing and identifying the natural materials they collect.

I hope this post has encouraged you to collect some elements of nature, get creative, and read Jan Brett’s book, Mossy, with your kids and grandkids. I think they will enjoy the creative process of transforming an ordinary turtle shell into a tiny garden.

Links to More Fun Craft Ideas for Kids

Mossy Turtle Craft FAQ

What age is this turtle craft for?

This turtle craft is great for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary-aged kids. Younger children may need a little help with cutting and gluing, while older kids can have fun adding their own creative details to the turtle’s garden.

Can I make this turtle craft without natural elements?

You can use whatever little bits of nature or craft supplies you have on hand. Craft moss, faux flowers, leaves, small paper flowers, and even tiny twigs can all work. This is a great craft to customize with supplies you already have at home.

Do I need to read Mossy before doing this craft?

Not at all, but it makes the activity even more fun! Mossy by Jan Brett is a natural book pairing for this turtle craft since the story features a turtle whose shell becomes covered with moss, flowers, and other plants. Reading the book first gives kids some inspiration for decorating their own turtle.

Is this a good Mossy book activity?

Yes! This makes a fun hands-on activity to pair with a Mossy read-aloud. It would also work well for a preschool or classroom book activity, a nature or garden theme, or a simple afternoon craft at home.

Turtle Craft: Create a Mossy Garden on a Turtle’s Shell

Turtle Craft Materials

How to Make the Mossy Turtle Craft

1. Go on a Nature Hunt and Collect Items for Your Turtle.