Kids Craft: TMNT Toilet Paper Roll Finger Puppets

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle toilet paper roll finger puppets

Craft Materials

Before starting this project, you’ll need the following materials:

Toilet Paper Rolls, Cardstock, Markers, Paint, Googly Eyes, Elmer's Glue, Paint Brush, Scissors, Clothespins

YES!!! The new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies is coming out!

In honor of the newest Ninja Turtle movie, Courtney thought it would be fun to make a few TMNT crafts.

She made toilet paper roll Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (for younger kids). I’m making some TMNT finger puppets for older kids (like 7 and up).

Getting Started

This Ninja Turtle finger puppet craft is GREAT for kids in elementary school! With some creativity and colored cardstock, they’ll be making their own finger puppet Ninja Turtles!

Step 1 – Create Your TMNT Mask and Belt

Cut Your Belt and Mask Pieces

Take your colored cardstock (brown and blue/orange/purple/red) and cut EACH of them into a thin strip. One is for the mask, the other is for the belt and buckle.

For the belt, you’ll need 3 pieces (belt, tassels and buckle). For your mask, you’ll need a piece for the tassels and the mask.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 1

Don't forget to shape your mask tassels.

Draw Your Belt and Mask Details

On your belt, draw the LETTER of the Ninja Turtle you’re making in the center of the buckle. Now, draw some creases on your mask, belt and tassels.

I really think the details make it perfect!

Don't forget to add your shadow UNDER the top tassel.

Quick Tip: Draw your creases to look like folds/shadows in your mask and belt. DON’T OVERDO IT.

Step 2 – Create Your Ninja Turtle Shell

Cut Your Shell

With the 1st toilet paper roll, flatten it and cut about 1 inch off the TOP of it (this will be the top of your Ninja Turtle’s head).

Then, cut the chest shape into the FRONT and the shell shape onto the BACK of your toilet paper roll.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 2

Squish your TP roll flat.

Draw your shell shape first.

Now, define the top of the chest.

Now that looks like a turtle shell!

Paint Your Shell

Paint the chest of the shell yellow and the back of shell green. Also, paint the inside/top/bottom of the BACK shell green too! Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

Don't forget to paint the inside of the back shell.

Draw Your Shell’s Details

When dry, draw in the shell details. For the chest, loosely draw 4 or 6 rounded squares with your marker. For the BACK of your shell, draw in your shell pattern and edges.

This almost looks like a REAL turtle shell!

Can't forget about the back of your shell.

Quick Tip: For the back shell, start with a hexagon in the CENTER and work your way out.

Step 3 – Create Your Turtle’s Head

Cut and Glue Head

With your second TP roll, cut and roll it to the size a little bigger than your kid’s index and middle fingers together. Then, glue and SECURE with clothespins. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 3

Two fingers make for the PERFECT fit for our puppet.

The clothespins really help keep your hands clean.

Paint Your Turtle’s Head

Now, paint your Ninja Turtle’s head and crown green. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

Be sure to paint the crown of your Ninja Turtle's head.

Step 4 – Glue TMNT Head to Inside of Shell

We’re getting so close to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle puppet. This is SO COOL!

…so close…This is SO COOL!

To create our Ninja Turtle’s body and head, add glue to the insides of your shell. Next, slide in your turtle’s head and pinch together for a few minutes. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 4

You don't need much glue to get your Ninja Turtle's head in-place.

Apply just enough pressure to get the head to stay in place.

See? Line up the 2 pieces at the bottom.

It should stand with no problem.

Quick Tip: Ensure the bottom of the shell and head are even. If done correctly, your Ninja Turtle should be able to stand upright.

Step 5 – Glue Mask and Belt to Ninja Turtle

Glue Your Mask

Now, add your mask by wrapping it around the TOP of your turtle’s head (leave a small gap) and glue the ends together.

Then, take your tassels and glue them to the back of the mask. Secure with a clothespin. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 5

Glue the mask in the back.

Quick Tip: For the perfect effect, draw a shadow under the top tassel with your marker.

Glue Your Belt

For the belt, wrap it around the LOWER-half of the shell and glue the ends. Next, glue your belt’s tassels and buckle to the front of the belt. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

Our TMNT puppet is almost ready!

Step 6 – Create Your Ninja Turtle’s Face

To complete our TMNT finger puppet, draw on the nose and mouth of your Ninja Turtle. Next, push your turtle’s crown into the TOP of his head.

Finally, glue your googly eyes to the FRONT of the mask. Let dry 15 – 25 minutes.

TMNT toilet paper roll finger puppet step 6

You may want to draw in pencil first. This part's kinda' tricky!

With your eyes in place, your Ninja Turtle is DONE!

Our Finished Ninja Turtle Finger Puppets

Now, it’s time to play!!! Get your little one’s fingers ready for some TMNT finger puppet FUN!

Here's all our Ninja Turtle puppets.

I thought this was a cool way to show-off our TMNT shells.

Leonardo and Raphael are always having disagreements.

Time for some Ninja Turtle fun!

How cool was that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle craft!?! It makes want to say, “Cowabunga!”

I hope you enjoyed these TMNT inspired finger puppets! I bet your kids will have great time with ’em (our boys sure did). If you liked ’em, let us know in the comments!