Developing Story: New 3D Turtles – A Whimsical Paper Craft Adventure for all Ages

Remember the almost-extinct Mandala Turtles? Thanks to the loving care of crafters around the world, they’ve made a heartwarming comeback—popping up in cozy homes, classrooms, and creative corners everywhere! And now, as spring unfolded in full bloom, something truly magical happened: a brand-new turtle species has bloomed into view – the 3D Flower Turtles! With their beautifully petaled shells and gentle spirits, these charming creatures are ready to blossom alongside their Mandala cousins and bring joy, color, and calm to all who meet them.

DOWNLOAD with:

Let me introduce you to this delightful new family of floral friends!

• Mama Florette is graceful and nurturing, always humming a soft tune while tending her garden.
• Papa Edward is the steady and wise heart of the group—he knows every flower’s name and never misses a sunset stroll.
• Their daughter Philippa is as romantic as spring itself, often found weaving petals into dreamy shell garlands.
• Patrick, her cousin, is rarely seen without a book—much like his Mandala cousin Richard—and his signature glasses give him a most scholarly air.
• Jordan, the enthusiastic explorer, has a habit of knocking into things in his excitement, but always laughs it off.
• Little Lily is the baby of the bunch, shy but curious, with a giggle that makes daisies dance.
• Gentle and thoughtful, Sophia is a Cornflower Turtle—quiet and steady, with the softest hues of blue gracing her shell.
• And last but never least, there’s Auntie Valentine, who believes in love above all else. Her shell blooms with heart-shaped petals, and Valentine’s Day is her absolute favorite time of year.

The Secret Life of 3D Flower Turtles

The 3D Flower Turtles live in blooming meadows and hidden garden glades where wildflowers grow in spirals and bees hum lullabies. They nestle in leafy dens called “petal patches”, where they rest under curling ferns and drink morning dew from buttercups.

Like their Mandala cousins, they love to cuddle in groups and often stack into sleepy towers of shells and snores. Their favorite pastimes include sunbathing among dandelions, playing hide-and-seek in tall grass, and gently spreading seeds as they wander—helping new flowers grow wherever they go.

Each Flower Turtle’s shell is as unique as the bloom it resembles—soft, vibrant, patterned, or delicate. And sometimes, if you look closely at their trail, you might see tiny petals where their feet once were.

Bring Your Own 3D Flower Turtle Family to Life

Now it’s your turn to welcome this beautiful bunch into your world! With just a few simple materials, you can create your very own Flower Turtle family—ready to play, decorate, and brighten any corner of your home or classroom.

You will need:

• Flower Turtle Paper Craft Bundle
• Lightweight card stock/ stronger paper (120gsm or even 180gm)
• Scissors
• Glue
• Coloring Pens

How to Make Your Own 3D Flower Turtles

Grab your scissors and glue—it’s time to create your own cuddly crew of 3D Flower Turtles! Whether you choose to color them in yourself or use the pre-colored version, the process is fun and simple. Let’s get started!

1. Print Your Favorite Turtles

Choose your favorite Flower Turtle designs and print them out on sturdy cardstock (we recommend 120–180gsm). You’ll find both ready-to-color and pre-colored versions
in your bundle.

2. Cut Out the Turtle Parts

Carefully cut along the outer edges of the turtle body and shell. You’ll notice the shell is a circular shape with a small slit marked—don’t forget to cut that slit too!

This is what your turtle will look like when cut out!

3. Add Glue to Your Turtle

Dab a little glue onto the top of the turtle’s back (right on top of the instructions).

4. Shape the Shell

Gently curl the shell piece into a cone shape, overlapping the two straight edges until the design lines up. You’ll see the flower come to life as it forms its lovely 3D shape!

Press the shell cone gently on top. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it sticks securely.

Let Them Dry & Then Play!

Let your turtles dry completely. Once ready, your Flower Turtle is all set to explore your windowsill, desk, garden, or dollhouse. They also love hanging out with the Mandala Turtles if you’ve made those too!

Fun Facts: Nature & Turtles in Harmony

Crafting your 3D Flower Turtles isn’t just fun—it’s a wonderful chance to learn about nature, too! Here are a few delightful facts you can share while coloring, cutting, or playing:

Flower Power
Flowers rely on pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even wind to help spread their pollen from one bloom to another. Some turtles (like the real-life box turtle!) help out too by eating fruit and flowers—spreading seeds through the forest as they wander.

Turtles as Garden Helpers
In nature, turtles play a surprising role in ecosystems. They help keep insect populations balanced and, by trampling through undergrowth, can even help open up space for new plants to grow—just like your Flower Turtles leaving tiny blossoms in their wake!

Shells That Tell a Story
Real turtle shells are made of bone and keratin (like our nails!) and each turtle’s shell has unique markings—just like the one-of-a-kind flower designs you create for your turtle family.

Companionship Across Families
Did you know that the Mandala and Flower Turtles love to form mixed families? They often “bale” together (that’s what a group of turtles is called!).

Printables

Would you like to color and craft your very own 3D Flower Turtles? This cute bundle includes everything you need to bring these enchanting little creatures to life. You’ll find the complete Flower Turtle family in several versions: a fully colored set, detailed coloring pages, and a blank shell option that invites endless creativity.

And there’s more! All 8 unique flower designs are also included in A4 format—each available both in full color and as coloring pages. Mama Turtle even comes with a blank shell version, ready for you to decorate in your own style. With so many thoughtful options to choose from, you can mix, match, and create a truly one-of-a-kind Flower Turtle family of your own.

You will receive:

• A Welcome Note
• Instructions on how to make your Flower Turtle
• 8 unique Flower Turtle Designs in A4 format
• these 8 unique Flower Turtles already colored for you.
• A4 blank Turtle template
• Flower Turtle Family Coloring Pages with all 8 turtle characters plus salad and round salad plate/carpet
• pre-colored version of Flower Turtle Family
• Flower Turtle Family with blank shell body

DOWNLOAD with:

Share the Flower Turtle Joy!

We hope you had a blooming good time creating your very own Flower Turtle family! Whether they’re perched on your bookshelf, tucked into a plant pot, or part of a playful turtle stack, these little friends are full of charm.

Want to take things a step further? Add tiny magnets to their feet and watch your turtles “climb” the fridge or peek out from magnetic boards—they love to explore new heights!

Don’t forget to tag me on social media with your turtle creations using #Hattifant. I can’t wait to see where your Flower Turtles bloom next! And if you haven’t met their cousins yet, be sure to check out the Mandala Turtles too—they’re just a click away and ready to join the fun!

You like Hattifant’s designs, toys & décor? Why not FOLLOW Hattifant on Facebook or Instagram and always be up-to-date with Hattifant’s latest adventures…