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Looking for fun Thanksgiving craft ideas to keep little ones entertained and inspired? Then look no further than this easy and fun turkey craft that is perfect for kids of all ages and the best part is that you won't need to buy any extra supplies because this craft can be done with supplies you probably already have at home.
Thanksgiving crafts for kids are a great way to bring the family together, get creative, and make lasting holiday memories. As the days grow cooler and leaves turn brilliant shades of orange, yellow, and red, it’s the ideal opportunity to bring some holiday cheer into your home. This crafting adventure focuses on creating adorable turkeys from everyday materials like paper plates and construction paper.
So, let’s jump into this step-by-step tutorial that turns ordinary items into an exciting Thanksgiving project!
Gather Your Materials
Before you begin crafting, ensure you have all the necessary materials handy. Here’s what you need to have on hand:
Two paper plates (one larger than the other)
Construction paper in various colors (red, orange, yellow)
Scissors
Glue sticks or white school glue
Brown paint (you can also use brown construction paper instead)
Markers (optional for adding details)
Googly eyes (optional)
Pipe Cleaners (optional)
Once you've gathered your supplies, you're ready to start crafting your turkey!
Step 1: Paint the Paper Plates
The first step in creating your turkey is to give those paper plates a fresh coat of brown paint. The larger plate will form the turkey's body, while the smaller plate will become its head.
Cover the larger paper plate entirely in brown paint. Use a brush or sponge for smooth application.
Next, take the smaller plate and paint it brown as well. Make sure to allow both plates time to dry completely.
This initial step allows kids to get their hands dirty and have some fun painting however, if you would prefer to keep things low mess, you can either use brown paper plates or cover your plates in brown construction paper.
Step 2: Create the Turkey Feathers
While waiting for the plates to dry, it's time to start cutting out colorful feathers from construction paper!
Cut out feathers from the construction paper in various shapes and sizes for visual interest.
Aim to create 6-8 feathers in bright, festive colors like red, orange, yellow, and green. This encourages your little ones to explore their design ideas—creativity knows no bounds!
Children love having the freedom to design their feathers however they like.
Step 3: Assemble Your Turkey
With your plates dry and feathers ready, it’s time to pull your turkey together!
Arrange the feathers in a fan shape for a stunning display.
Glue the feathers onto the back of the larger plate.
Next, attach the smaller plate (the head) to the top of the larger plate using glue.
Tip: You can use hot glue instead of school glue to make sure the head stays attached, but it's not necessary.
This is the part your kids have been waiting for they finally get to put their little turkey friend together.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
To ensure your turkey looks just right, let's add some creative details:
Use googly eyes, construction paper, or markers to create fun eyes for your turkey.
Draw, cut out, and glue a beak and a wattle (the floppy piece under the chin) using construction paper.
Create wings out of construction paper and attach them to the turkey's body.
Using markers, let children draw patterns or additional decorations on the turkey’s body, allowing them to showcase their unique style!
You might even add whimsical legs using pipe cleaners or more construction paper for added charm.
These finishing touches are crucial! They allow kids to express their creativity while embracing the spirit of Thanksgiving.
Step 5: Display Your Turkey
Now that your turkey is complete, it's time to show off this lovely craft!
Choose a visible spot in your home to showcase your turkey, like the dining table or a window sill.
These colorful turkeys can even serve as delightful centerpieces for your Thanksgiving feast!
Encourage your children to tell stories about their turkey—what it enjoys eating, its home, and its friends.
Storytelling enhances their appreciation of the crafting process while celebrating the essence of Thanksgiving.
Make Your Turkey Your Own!
There are so many ways you can further customize this craft and really make it your own.
With markers, have everyone in your family write what they are grateful for on one of the turkey's feathers as a way of practicing gratitude.
Use additional craft supplies to really make your turkey stand out by using glitter, pom poms, buttons, and popsicle sticks, the options are endless.
Have everyone in your family make their own paper plate turkey and create a whole turkey family to decorate your house this Thanksgiving!
With so many ways to customize this turkey craft, it's the perfect way to get everyone in your family involved.
Crafting Together for Thanksgiving
This fun turkey craft promotes creativity and fine motor skills while offering families a chance to bond. Creating a turkey from simple materials is an effective way to celebrate the holiday spirit while keeping kids engaged on a low budget.
Why not gather your materials, tap into your artistic side, and enjoy crafting with your kids? Whether displayed prominently or woven into your Thanksgiving traditions, these paper-plate turkeys will add warmth and joy to your celebration.
We hope these Thanksgiving craft ideas bring you a season filled with creativity, laughter, and gratitude. May your creations shine bright and serve as heartwarming reminders of everything we have to be thankful for! Happy crafting and a joyful Thanksgiving!
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