Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and you know what that means—time to dive into fun thanksgiving art projects with the kids and make memories that will last way longer than the leftover turkey in your fridge.
Whether you are a seasoned craft mom or just trying to keep the little ones busy before the big feast, thanksgiving art projects are your secret weapon. They keep tiny hands occupied while you are prepping that green bean casserole. The best part about holiday crafts is they do not need to be complicated or expensive.
Most of these thanksgiving art projects use stuff you probably already have lying around your house. From scrap wood to paper bags, you can turn ordinary items into festive treasures. If you want to continue reading for more inspiration, we have plenty of ideas below.
You can create a beautiful thanksgiving atmosphere with just a few simple supplies. It creates a fun family environment that everyone enjoys. Let’s get started with some easy thanksgiving crafts you’ll love.
Table Of Contents:
- Essential Supplies for Your Craft Station
- Easy Turkey Crafts That Kids Actually Want to Make
- Festive Thanksgiving Art Projects for Your Table
- Creative Wreaths and Wall Decor
- Fun Thanksgiving Art Projects Using Recycled Materials
- Thanksgiving Crafts That Double as Gifts
- Advanced Thanksgiving Art Projects for Older Kids
- Mess-Free Thanksgiving Art Projects
- Last-Minute Thanksgiving Art Projects
- Tips for Making Thanksgiving Art Projects Less Stressful
- Where to Find More Thanksgiving Art Project Ideas
- Comparison of Popular Thanksgiving Materials
- Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Crafts
- Conclusion
Essential Supplies for Your Craft Station
Before you start, it helps to gather some basic materials. You do not need a fully stocked studio to create fall magic. A few staples go a long way.
Mod podge is a must-have for decoupage and sealing projects. You will also need plenty of hot glue for securing heavier items like pine cones. Craft paint in autumn shades like orange, brown, and gold is essential for that festive look.
Don’t forget to raid your recycling bin. Toilet paper rolls and empty jars are perfect starting points. Washi tape adds quick pops of color without the mess of paint. Having these items ready makes craft time much smoother.
Easy Turkey Crafts That Kids Actually Want to Make
Let’s start with the star of the show. The turkey is the iconic symbol of the holiday. Every kid needs to make at least one turkey craft during November.
It is practically a law of childhood. One of my favorite go-to projects is the classic handprint turkey. You trace your child’s hand on construction paper.
Each finger becomes a colorful feather. The thumb is the turkey’s head. You are done in about ten minutes, and it makes a great keepsake.
For a natural twist, try making a leaf turkey. Send the kids outside to gather the most colorful fall leaves they can find. Glue these leaves onto paper as the plumage for a drawn turkey body.
If you have mini pumpkins on hand, you can create a pumpkin turkey. Use craft paint to add a face to the front of the pumpkin. Glue feathers or paper cutouts to the back for a 3D effect.
If you want something a bit more involved, check out free turkey templates that kids can color and customize. These downloadable options give you ready-made designs. They take the guesswork out of craft time.
Another winner is the paper plate turkey. Grab a paper plate, some construction paper, googly eyes, and glue. Let your kids go wild with the feathers and watch their creativity explode.
Wine cork turkeys are perfect for older kids who can handle small pieces. You stack a few corks together to form the body. Add pipe cleaner legs and feather cutouts for the tail to complete this thanksgiving craft.
Related Reading: 10 Preschool Thanksgiving Craft Ideas for Fun at Home
Festive Thanksgiving Art Projects for Your Table
Want to make your thanksgiving table look like it came straight out of a magazine? Get the kids involved in making decorations. Your holiday guests will be impressed by the personal touches.
Painted wood slice pumpkins add a rustic touch to any table setting. You can grab wood slices from any craft store. Follow this simple tutorial to paint them in fall colors for a cozy vibe.
Creating your own fabric applique thanksgiving placemat is another way to personalize your table. Fabric applique involves sewing or gluing pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to create a pattern. Kids can help pick out the fabrics while you handle the assembly.
A handmade thanksgiving placemat becomes a treasured item you bring out every year. You can also make simple place cards using items from nature. Corn husk place cards are both practical and beautiful.
They tell guests where to sit while looking totally Pinterest-worthy. You can find a great corn husk tutorial here that walks you through each step. Place card holders can also be made from small twigs or corks.
Don’t forget about the table centerpiece. A dollar store pilgrim hat centerpiece costs next to nothing. It looks like you spent hours on it.
You can also fill mason jars with acorns and tea lights. This adds a warm glow to your dining table. Simple touches often make the biggest impact.
Creative Wreaths and Wall Decor
Nothing says fall like a gorgeous wreath on your front door. Thanksgiving art projects aren’t just for the table. You can decorate your walls and doors too.
An Indian corn wreath is a classic choice that never goes out of style. The colorful kernels pop against any door color. This tutorial makes it super easy to create.
If you’re looking for something more modern, try making a turkey wreath. Use tulle or mesh to create a fluffy wreath that resembles a turkey’s feathers. Add a cute face in the center.
Yarn wrapped pinecones make beautiful accents for wreaths or standalone decorations. This project is perfect for younger kids. There is no wrong way to wrap yarn around a pinecone.
Thanksgiving embroidery hoop art is having a moment right now. You can grab designs that say things like “grateful” or “give thanks”. Hang them anywhere in your home for instant fall decor.
Combine leaves, berries, and small pumpkins for a look that screams autumn. This creates a welcoming entrance for your friends and family.
Related Reading: Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Kindergarteners to Enjoy
Fun Thanksgiving Art Projects Using Recycled Materials
Before you toss those empty wine corks or toilet paper rolls, think again. They are goldmines for crafting. Recycled paper projects are eco-friendly and fun.
Wine cork pumpkins are adorable and use up corks you would normally throw away. Paint them orange and add a green stem. You have instant fall decor.
Check out this tutorial for the full instructions. Terra cotta pot scarecrows are another recycling win. Stack a few small pots and paint them.
Add some raffia for hair. This guide shows you exactly how to turn plain pots into charming characters. Cardboard tube pilgrims are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
They are basically toilet paper rolls dressed up in pilgrim clothes. Add some construction paper hats and faces. You are all set with this easy diy project.
Even old fabric scraps can become part of your thanksgiving art projects. Make mini fall banners by cutting triangles. String them together for a festive look.
This project uses up those random fabric bits you have been hoarding. You can drape these banners across a mantel or a window.
Thanksgiving Crafts That Double as Gifts
Why not make thanksgiving art projects that you can actually give away? Two birds, one stone. Handmade gifts show people love and appreciation.
A DIY fall tablecloth makes an incredible hostess gift if you are visiting family. This tutorial walks you through creating a custom design. Anyone would love to receive it.
Mini pumpkin vases are both cute and functional. Hollow out small pumpkins carefully. Fill them with fresh or fake flowers.
You can line the inside with a small plastic cup to keep it fresh. This prevents the pumpkin from getting gross too quickly. These make excellent party favors.
Macrame candle holders add a boho touch to any home. If you have never tried macrame, this beginner tutorial is surprisingly easy to follow. They look great on a coffee table.
Grateful thankful blessed pillows are everywhere right now. You can make your own with printable designs. Use iron-on transfers to apply them to plain pillowcases.
Mason jars can be painted and filled with dry ingredients for a cookie mix. Decorate the lid with a piece of fabric. Add a tag with baking instructions for a sweet gift.
Advanced Thanksgiving Art Projects for Older Kids
Got tweens or teens who think they are too cool for handprint turkeys? Try these more sophisticated options. High school students might even enjoy these.
Reversible holiday blocks are perfect for kids who like puzzles and painting. This project lets you flip the blocks from Thanksgiving to Christmas. You paint different designs on each side.
Terra cotta poured vases look like something from an expensive boutique. The technique involves pouring paint to create marbled effects. This guide shows you the whole process.
Wooden pilgrim figures require some basic woodworking skills. They look amazing when finished. You can find instructions here that break down each cut and assembly step.
Candlestick pilgrims are another option for older crafters. You stack and glue different sized candlesticks. Then you paint them to look like pilgrims.
This tutorial has been around for years because it works so well. Wood thanksgiving decor is durable and can be used for years. Wood pumpkins cut from scrap wood are another great option.
For those who love sewing, fabric applique thanksgiving projects offer a challenge. Creating intricate designs on a runner or pillow requires focus. The result is a professional-looking piece of decor.
Your teens might find inspiration from designers they see online. They can create things that look like lars built them. Expert crafters like angie holden also have great tutorials for advanced levels.
Related Reading: Top Art Supplies for Kids to Boost Creativity and Fun
Mess-Free Thanksgiving Art Projects
Sometimes you just cannot deal with glitter all over your dining room table. I get it. Mess-free options are a lifesaver.
Thanksgiving buffet utensil holders keep things organized. They do not require paint or glue. This project uses fabric and simple folding techniques.
Printable Thanksgiving SVG files are a great resource if you have a Cricut machine. Download free designs and cut them out with zero mess. You can apply vinyl decals to plates or glasses.
Cornucopia arrangements look impressive but do not actually require much crafting skill. Simply arranging fruits and vegetables in a basket creates a stunning visual. It creates a focal point for the room.
Chalkboard paint projects let you write and erase as many times as you want. Paint some wood slices with clear chalkboard paint. Let kids write what they are thankful for.
Paper craft ideas are usually low mess. Using scissors and glue sticks is much cleaner than paint. Origami turkeys are a fun challenge that only requires paper.
Last-Minute Thanksgiving Art Projects
It is the day before Thanksgiving and you forgot about the school craft assignment. Don’t panic. We have quick fixes.
Paper bag turkeys take about five minutes total. Stuff a paper lunch bag with newspaper. Tie off the top to create the shape.
Decorate it like a turkey body with markers or paper scraps. Add a head and tail feathers. You are done in a flash.
Leaf rubbings are so fast and easy. Put fall leaves under a piece of white paper. Rub a crayon over the top.
Watch the leaf patterns appear like magic. Thankful trees only need a branch, a vase, and some paper. Cut out leaf shapes from colored paper.
Write things you are grateful for on the leaves. Hang them on the branches. It creates a meaningful display instantly.
Construction paper chains in fall colors make instant garlands. Even the tiniest kids can help glue the loops together. Drape them around the room for festive flair.
If you need quick card holders, cut a slit in a wine cork. Insert a name card. It takes seconds and looks intentional.
Tips for Making Thanksgiving Art Projects Less Stressful
Let me share some wisdom I have learned the hard way over the years. Crafting should be fun, not a chore. Here is how to keep it enjoyable.
Set up your craft station before you announce it is craft time. Nothing kills creativity faster than spending twenty minutes hunting for scissors. Kids lose interest quickly if they have to wait.
Keep expectations realistic. Your three-year-old’s turkey will not look like the one on Pinterest. That is totally fine.
The goal is fun, not perfection. Protect your surfaces with old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth. Future you will thank present you when cleanup takes two minutes.
Let kids make choices about colors and designs. The more ownership they have, the more engaged they will be. Encouraging their ideas builds confidence.
Take photos of the finished projects before they get destroyed. Because let’s be real, most thanksgiving art projects do not survive past December. Feel free to share these photos with family.
Where to Find More Thanksgiving Art Project Ideas
Running out of ideas is never a problem when you know where to look. The internet is full of thanksgiving craft ideas. You just need to know where to search.
Teachers Pay Teachers has thousands of free and paid resources. Teachers share their classroom-tested projects that actually work with real kids. You can find printable activities for any grade level.
Education.com offers over 35,000 worksheets and craft ideas. Their thanksgiving section gets updated every year. You can find fresh content regularly.
Pinterest is obviously a treasure trove but can be overwhelming. Search for specific terms like “toddler turkey craft” or “teen thanksgiving project”. This helps narrow things down to what you need.
YouTube tutorials are great if you are a visual learner. Watching someone else do it first makes complicated projects way less intimidating. Channels often feature popular crafters.
Don’t forget about your local library. Most have craft books you can check out for free. Many also host free crafting events in November.
When downloading templates, always be safe online. Check the privacy policy of the website you are using. This ensures your information stays safe while you hunt for free thanksgiving resources.
Comparison of Popular Thanksgiving Materials
Choosing the right material can determine the success of your project. Here is a quick look at common items used in thanksgiving crafts.
| Material | Best Used For | Mess Level |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Bags | Puppets, Decor | Low |
| Pine Cones | Wreaths, Feeders | Medium (Glitter/Glue) |
| Mod Podge | Decoupage, Sealing | Medium |
| Craft Paint | Wood, Pumpkins | High |
| Washi Tape | Borders, Accents | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Crafts
What are some easy thanksgiving crafts for toddlers?
Toddlers love sensory projects. Finger painting a turkey or gluing feathers onto a paper plate are great options. Simple stickers on mini pumpkins also work well for small hands.
How can I make my thanksgiving table look expensive on a budget?
Use natural elements like pine cones, acorns, and branches. A fabric applique thanksgiving placemat made from scraps adds elegance. Candles in mason jars create a warm, high-end ambiance for very little money.
What is a good craft for a large group of kids?
Paper bag puppets are excellent for groups. They are cheap and require minimal supplies. A collaborative “thankful tree” where everyone adds a leaf is also a wonderful idea for a gathering.
Can I use real food in my crafts?
Yes, but be mindful of spoilage. Corn husk crafts last a long time. Real pumpkins can rot, so seal them if you want them to last.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving art projects bring families together in the best way possible. They give you a chance to slow down and get creative. It is a time to make memories before the chaos of the holiday meal begins.
Whether you are making simple paper turkeys or tackling more advanced wooden pilgrims, the experience matters most. The hot glue burns and glitter explosions are just part of the fun. You will look back on these moments fondly.
So grab your supplies and round up the kids. Start creating festive thanksgiving items today. These projects will become traditions your family talks about for years to come.
We hope you create fall masterpieces that fill your home with joy. i’d love to see what you come up with.
