Terra Cotta Garden Turtle

By: DecoArt

9 Comments

Add this whimsical green turtle to your outdoor decor or garden with terra cotta saucers.

Terra Cotta Outdoor Turtle

Materials:

DecoArt Patio Paint DCP13 - Sprout Green
DecoArt Patio Paint DCP21 - Wrought Iron Black
DecoArt Patio Paint DCP25 - Citrus Green
DecoArt Patio Paint DCP49 - Warm White
Americana Brushes DBL1000-B - Liner 0
Americana Brushes DBF2575-B - Flat 3/4"
Foam plate
1/2" flat brush
3/8" round foam pouncer brush
E6000 or other industrial strength craft adhesive
Lo-temp glue gun
Scissors
Four 1" wood candle cups with 1/2" hole
1-3/4" wooden candle cup with 1" hole
3/4" x 1-1/8" wood oval
18" length of 1" wide black gingham ribbon
Terra cotta saucer with 3-1/2" rim
Terra cotta saucer with 4" rim
Two terra cotta saucers with 4-1/2" rim

Instructions:

Using adhesive, glue inside of 4-1/2" saucer over bottom of other 4-1/2" saucer. Glue inside of 4" saucer rim over base of 4-1/2" saucers. Glue inside of 3-1/2" saucer over base of 4" saucer. (Refer to photo for placement.) Allow adhesive to dry thoroughly before painting.
With 3/4" flat brush and Citrus Green, paint top and bottom saucers, allowing to dry after each coat.
Use 1/2" flat brush and Sprout Green to paint middle saucer; allow to dry after each coat.
Use 3/8" pouncer and Wrought Iron Black to paint dots on turtle body by pressing pouncer into paint on plate; repeat with Warm White. Allow to dry.
Use 1/2" flat brush and Sprout Green to paint all wood pieces; allow to dry after each coat.
Use lo-temp glue to attach head, legs, and tail of turtle to body (refer to photo for placement). Fill in gap between neck and body with glue as necessary.
Use end of brush handle dipped in Warm White to paint eyes; use liner brush to paint smile. Allow to dry.
Glue center of ribbon under neck and wrap ribbon around neck. Tie ribbon into bow at side of neck and trim ends.

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mulberrygalprinces s

Jan 28, 2018

This is such a cute little guy. I live in a garden apartment. There is a front patio enclosed with a wooden privacy fence. I have some rocks, solar lights and gnomes in there. Thus little guy would really brighten it up. Thank you for the great idea and inspiration.

Marilyn B

May 25, 2017

This is so clever . I am wondering if you could substitute other plates or dishes if you could not find the terra cotta saucers in the right sizes. In fact, you could probably use mismatched plates or thrift store finds, depending upon where you would place this cute turtle! If you do put it in the garden, plastic, China or glass would probably be OK in the weather. This idea can spur you on even more creativity and of course, who doesn't like a cute turtle in the garden! )

Weberme

May 16, 2017

WOW. This little guy is so cute and will be a great addition to any garden or even a fairy garden. You can adjust the size of the turtle by the terra cotta saucers you get. Pick out any color of your choice and decorate any way you want. Maybe even put a ribbon on head for a girl turtle or even put a small terra cotta planter on top with a succulent in it. Great tutorial for such a pretty piece.

Honey6

Jan 24, 2013

where can I find the 4 1/2 inch saucers? I've looked everywhere I can think of. Please help!

YOYOVT 8350488

Mar 17, 2012

I love this turtle! My grandkids will too.I will make this with them.Thanks! for such a great idea and so simple for the kids to do.

Sunny Days

May 26, 2011

So cute looove it!!!!!!

seals174162 775432 5

Mar 04, 2011

Love any type of turtle projects, as my 5 year old grandaughter is in love with all turtles. Due to her grandfather has given her nickname "Turtle" her room is decorated with all types of turtles. Indoor or outdoor designs, it doesn't matter. The fact that she can design them herself is great, for she has a great imagination, and take great pride in her work. This is something to keep us both occupied, as she practicley lives at our house and has her own room here.

fawnconley

Mar 24, 2010

I found the wooden oval and candle cups at Hobby Lobby. I'm also having a hard time finding the right sizes of saucers. As far as I can tell they don't exist. Found a 4.25" at Walmart. No luck on the others. I've noticed a lot of the craft ideas they offer have components that are not easy to find. What's the point if you have to hunt all over the city for parts? Discouraging.

SUBVET

Dec 22, 2009

hi, i want to make this turtle and cannot find the right saucers. all they have here are 3,4, 5, and 6. could not find the wood oval either, or the wood candle cups in either size. can you tell me where to get them. thank you. nancy