What age group is this costume for?
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School

Estimated time required to make this costume:
1-2 hours

Difficulty level:
Almost as easy - some sewing

Items you will need: (Hit your return key to start a new line)
Three shades of green felt (1-1/2 to 2 yards of one color for turtle shells; remnants or felt squares for the remaining two shades)
Fabric glue
Wide green ribbon
Velcro
Green sweatshirt (hooded if available)
Green sweatpants or tights
Green face makeup, if desired

Instructions:
Cut out one large oval of green felt, large enough to work as turtle shell (fit to your child's size). Use this oval as a pattern to cut three more ovals the same shape and size. (You could get by with only two ovals altogether -- the front and back shells. But gluing two ovals together, back to back, makes a heavier shell that won't flap around in the wind.) Glue two ovals back to back, wrong sides together, to make a front and back shell. Top-stitch along edges if desired (not crucial, but makes a stronger costume for running from house to house).

Make straps to connect the front and back shells so child can wear them over head as a sandwich board. Sew two pieces of ribbon at the top and sides of one shell; attach velcro to the ends. Sew velcro to the top and sides of the other shell directly opposite the straps. Make straps short enough to fit your child, but long enough for his or her head to slip through comfortably.

Now comes the fun part for your child. Let him or her cut out random pieces of the remaining two shades of green felt. These are markings for the turtle shell. Let him or her glue them onto the shells as desired. Let dry.

The child wears the turtle shells like a sandwich board over the green sweatsuit, connecting the front and back shells at each shoulder and at the sides under each arm. If you have a hooded sweatshirt, wear the hood up (looks more realistic). Green face makeup is another fun touch.

Other information to consider:
Child participation in making this turtle costume adds to the fun.