Tag Archives: Thanksgiving Table Decoration

Turkey Treat Holder

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Making this fun-and-easy Turkey Treat Holder not only gets the kids involved with Thanksgiving preparations, but it can keep them busy while dinner is cooking.

Materials

  • Recycled toilet paper roll
  • Cardstock: brown, gold, orange, red, tan
  • Wiggle eyes, two
  • Ribbon, 6” length
  • Gold paper fastener

Tools

  • Red chalk
  • Hole punch
  • Pinking shears or decorative-edge scissors
  • Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out pattern. Use pinking shears to trim feathers.

STEP 2

Cut and adhere tan paper to cover toilet paper roll. Let dry. Adhere feet on circle and circle on bottom of toilet paper roll.

STEP 3

Adhere eyes, beak, and wattle on turkey. Use red chalk to lightly blush cheeks.

STEP 4

Measure and cut 6” ribbon length. Tie ribbon around body below face.

STEP 5

Use hole punch to punch hole on end of each feather. Insert paper fastener through holes on feathers. Adhere feathers on back of body.

by Linda Valentino

Cork Turkeys

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, these place cards are a fun and simple way for kids to help with the Thanksgiving Day celebration!

Materials

  • Recycled corks
  • Craft foam: orange, red
  • White paper, scrap
  • Chenille stems, three for each turkey: orange, tan, brown, yellow, or red
  • Wiggle eyes, two for each turkey
  • Toothpick

Tools

  • Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue

Basic Supplies

pencil, black marker, scissors, ruler, tape

Directions

Size

Size is approximately 3″ tall.

Note

Instructions are for one cork turkey. Repeat to create as many as needed.

Turkey

1. Print and cut out patterns. Adhere beak, wattle, and eyes on top of cork.

2. For feathers, cut three chenille stems in half. Coil each chenille stem around pencil. Use toothpick to poke six holes in back of cork. Push ends of chenille stems in holes.

3. For tag, measure and cut 1-1/2”x2” white paper rectangle. Use black marker to write name and draw outline on tag. Tape tag on end of toothpick. Insert toothpick in cork.

by Linda Valentino

Give Thanks Place Setting

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Need a quick and simple way to add flair to your holiday meal decorations? Set your table with this beautiful “Give Thanks” place setting for each of your Thanksgiving Day guests.

Materials

  • Tan fabric, 15” square
  • Off-white fabric, 3/8 yard
  • Cotton batting, 12”x16” rectangle
  • Orange polka dot ribbon, 1 yard
  • Black craft thread

Tools

  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint: Expresso
  • Crayons
  • Plaid Foam Alphabet Stamps: Simply (#54131)
  • Large-eye sewing needle
  • Hole punch, 1/8”
  • API Crafter’s Pick The Ultimate! Glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, wax paper, iron and pressing surface, plastic knife, sponge scrap, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Note

Adults, help kids when using iron.

Place Setting

1. For placemat, measure and cut two 12”x16” off white fabric rectangles. Layer rectangle, batting, and other rectangle. Use needle and thread to sew running stitch around edges of placemat. For napkin, fold 1/4″ edge over (on wrong side) on tan square. Sew running stitch around edges.

2. On covered work surface, use sponge scrap to dab brown paint on alphabet stamps. Stamp “give thanks” on corner of napkin and on side of placemat. Let dry.

3. Print and cut out patterns. Cut leaves from off-white fabric.

4. Position leaves on wax paper. Use knife to shave crayons over leaves. Put wax paper on top of leaves. Iron on wax paper. (Note: Crayon will melt and spread over fabric.)

5. Use hole punch to punch hole in stem of leaves.

6. Use needle and thread to attach leaves on napkin and placemat. Fold napkin in half; tie ribbon around napkin. To wash, remove leaves from napkin and placemat.

by Mary Ayres

Turkey Pilgrim Favors

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Tom Turkey and mate Mary are so clever to disguise themselves as pilgrims during Thanksgiving! Both little turkeys are easy to make and the perfect decorations for your Thanksgiving table.

Materials

  • Wooden stars (feet), 1-1/4” wide, four
  • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Ball (head), 1-1/2”, two
  • Brown print fabric, 1/4 yard
  • Felt scraps: gold, cranberry
  • Silk autumn leaves, six
  • Wiggle eyes, 8mm, four
  • Black satin ribbon, 1⁄4” wide, 1/2 yard
  • For Tom Turkey only: Black felt, 6” square; Wimpole Street white heart-shaped doily, 2” wide; Gold ribbon, 1⁄4” wide, 4-3⁄4” length; Ivory buttons, 7⁄16”, two
  • For Mary Turkey only: White felt, 1-1⁄4”x3-3⁄4”; Wimpole Street white Battenburg doily, 3” across

Tools

  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Dark Chocolate, Primary Yellow
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Black fine-tip permanent marker
  • Needle and thread
  • Beacon Adhesives Kids Choice Glue, Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, circle template, paintbrush

Directions

Tom Turkey

1. Print and cut out patterns. Cut felt as indicated.

2. For body, cut 7” circle from brown print fabric. Sew gathering stitch around circle, leaving 1⁄4” border. Stuff circle; pull up gathers tightly and stitch opening closed.

3. Slightly flatten bottom of 1-1/2” ball (head). Basecoat head Dark Chocolate and feet Primary Yellow; let dry. Using marker, draw dashed line near edge of feet.

4. Adhere wattle, beak, and eyes to face. Adhere heart doily, head, and feet to body. Cut 8” length of ribbon; tie black bow. Adhere bow to neck. Adhere leaves together, then to back of body.

5. Cut slits in hat as indicated. Adhere gold ribbon to long brim edge, then brim ends together, slightly overlapping edges. Adhere hat top to brim, brim to hat, hat to head, and buttons to body.

Mary Turkey

1. For Mary Turkey, repeat Steps 1-4, using Battenburg doily for Step 4.

2. Adhere white felt hat to head as shown.

by Helen Rafson

Patterns

Vintage Button Wire Napkin Rings

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The cool, crisp touches of autumn have begun creeping into the air over the last few weeks and I realize it’s that time of year where I need to start making plans for my annual Thanksgiving crafts and ideas. It’s time to start thinking about which fall crafts I will do for my home, which I will do with my children, which I will do with a group of friends. Is this the year I will finally plan some actual Thanksgiving Day crafts…and if so, which easy Thanksgiving craft can I come up with to keep the kids busy while I baste the turkey, brown the bread, and bake the pies?

Well, this year I thought I was well ahead of schedule because I had decided to make some beautiful wire napkin rings as part of my holiday table décor. Sometimes just taking the time to make ONE new item to grace the holiday table is more important that cramming too much into this already busy holiday time. Today, I would like to share with you my idea that could easily be included in your handmade holiday Thanksgiving ideas list. With just the basic jewelry tools and a few great supplies, you too can add a touch of the unique to your holiday décor with this quick and easy Thanksgiving craft!

Vintage Button Wire Napkin Ring

size: approx. 1-1/2” diameter

Whether using true vintage buttons with family memories attached or fabulous replicas like those shown here, these gorgeous napkin rings will lend a touch of nostalgia and charm to any tablescape.

Materials

  • Pure copper wire, 14-gauge,  12” length (for each ring)
  • Beadalon Gunmetal Artistic Wire, 20-gauge
  • Buttons Galore & More Gold Vintage Button with Shank Back
  • Connie Crystal Round Bead, 6mm, two (for each ring)

Tools

  • Heavy-duty wire cutters
  • Beadalon: Wire Snips, Round-Nose Pliers, Chain-Nose Pliers
  • Midas Black/Brown Patina
  • Wooden dowel, 1-1/2” diameter (or mandrel)
  • Hot glue gun and sticks

Basic Supplies

ruler

Directions

1. Cut 12” length of copper wire. Wrap around around wooden dowel three times. Remove from dowel and dip wire into diluted Black/Brown Patina following manufacturer’s instructions. Let dry.

2. Once wire ring is fully dried, thread gold vintage button onto center of middle wrap. Use hot glue to attach button to ring.

3. Use round-nose pliers to turn ends of wire into small curls at each end.

4. Use wire snips to cut  two 3” lengths of Gunmetal wire. Thread one round crystal onto center of wire. Wrap one end of wire just below top curl at end of wire ring. Wrap three times above and three times below crystal; use wire snips to trim ends. Use chain-nose pliers to press ends of wire against wire ring. Repeat with second length of wire on opposite end of napkin ring.

5. Repeat Steps 1-4 for each additional napkin ring needed.

Keri Lee Sereika (www.pinklemonade.typepad.com)

 

Pilgrim Salt & Pepper Shakers

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Create these quick-and-simple pilgrim salt & pepper shakers as the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving table!

Materials

  • Salt & pepper shaker set with straight sides (available at Linens ‘n Things #398216-130814)
  • Canvas fabric
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Antique Gold, Burnt Orange, Slate Grey, Warm White, Honey Brown, Toffee, Lamp Black Mississippi Mud
  • Antique metal eyelets, 1/8”, 16
  • Black mini brads, four
  • Ribbon scraps: orange/white, black/ivory stripe
  • Hemp cord, 24” length, two

Tools

  • Brown ink pad
  • Hole punches: 1/16”, 1/8”
  • Paintbrush
  • Sewing Machine and black thread
  • Eyelet setting tool
  • Sandpaper

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, transfer paper, sponge scrap

Directions

Note

Adjust size of canvas rectangles and pattern if needed. Canvas rectangle should cover most of straight sides of shaker, leaving 1/2” opening at side for lacing.

Shakers

1. Cut two 2”x5-1/2” canvas rectangles. Paint both sides of rectangles Warm White; let dry.

2. Print and cut out pattern; transfer designs to rectangles, continuing lines across entire rectangle.

3. For girl, paint: top hair Honey Brown; face Toffee. For boy, paint: back of rectangles Mississippi Mud; hat band Lamp Black; buckle Antique Gold; remaining hat Mississippi Mud; hair Burnt Orange; face Toffee. Let dry.

4. Machine sew straight stitch around details and fabric rectangle edges.

5. Antique rectangle edges with brown ink, using dry sponge scrap.

6. Punch 1/16” holes at both ends of fabric rectangles as indicated by pattern; attach eyelets. Tie ribbons and sew to bottom of faces.

7. Wrap fabric rectangles around shakers. Lace hemp cord through eyelets, beginning at bottom and tie bow at top.

by Mary Ayres

 

 

Turkey Time

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Silk leaves make up this turkey’s colorful tail. Have the kids make a whole flock to decorate the Thanksgiving table.

Materials

  • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Balls: 3”, two; 1-1/2”, one
  • Recycled aluminum can
  • Wiggle eyes, two
  • Silk oak leaves
  • Craft sticks, two
  • Candy corn, small amount
  • Raffia

Tools

  • Acrylic paints: gloss brown, yellow
  • Adhesives: low-temp glue gun and sticks, thick craft glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, skewer, paintbrush, toothpicks, scrap piece of foam, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Size:

Approximate Size: 8″x10″

Note

Glue guns are hot and can burn. If using a low-temp glue gun, have the adult in charge handle the glue gun.

Turkey

1. On covered work surface, paint recycled can glossy brown. Let dry.

2. Insert toothpicks into one 3” and 1-1/2” balls to use as handles while painting. Paint balls brown; let dry. (Note: Insert toothpicks into scrap piece of foam while paint dries.) Paint craft sticks yellow. Let dry.

3. To assemble turkey, apply glue to toothpick and insert into 1-1/2” ball (head); apply glue to other end of toothpick and attach head onto 3” ball (body). Insert and adhere craft sticks (legs) into bottom of body; position sticks toward back of body.

4. Position remaining 3” ball into can. Insert turkey legs into foam ball in can. Remove turkey, add glue to holes, and reinsert turkey.

5. Cut stems from silk leaves; insert leaves into back of turkey, creating fan-shaped tail. If needed, make small holes with pointed skewer; insert leaves. Spot glue to hold leaves in place. Insert one leaf on each side of turkey for wings. Adhere wiggle eyes and candy corn beak on face.

6. Wrap raffia around top of can; adhere in place. Tie 8” raffia length into bow. Adhere raffia bow on center. Adhere candy corn at random on can.

by Michelle LeSage for The Dow Chemical Co.
(www.CraftsnCoffee.com; www.StyrofoamCrafts.com)

Autumn Centerpiece

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

Become your own personal florist – it’s easier than you think. Impress family and friends by making this beautiful autumn centerpiece this Thanksgiving season.

Materials

  • Dow STRYOFOAM Brand Foam Disc, 2″x8″
  • Silk autumn leaves bush
  • Silk mum and berry bush
  • Autumn fruit and gourd picks, three
  • Glass candleholder, 5-1⁄2″ diameter., 8″ tall
  • Spice-scented candle, 4″ tall
  • Glass floral beads, small bag
  • Aleene’s Tacky Glue

Tools

  • Wire cutters
  • Scissors

Directions

Centerpiece Base

1. Cut foundation foliage to 8″ lengths. Dip ends in glue and insert into side of disc, facing to the right and rotating disc counter-clockwise as you insert foliage. Leave room in center of disc for placement of glass candleholder.

2. Cut flowers into 5″ lengths, dip ends in glue, and insert at various positions within foliage.

3. Dip pick ends in glue and insert at equal intervals throughout.

4. Let dry for two hours. Fluff foliage for a more natural look.

Candleholder

1. Gently place glass beads in bottom of candleholder.

2. Insert candle and place holder in center of base. (Note: Never leave lit candles unattended.)

Tip

Substitute the candleholder and candle with a jar candle. You’ll find so many great color and scents!

by Barb Sunderlage

Give Thanks Chalkboard

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

To make this Thanksgiving season truly special, ask family members to list a blessing on this chalkboard each day until the holiday arrives. Or, make several as placecards for the holiday meal.

Materials

  • Chalkboard, 5″x7″
  • Wooden items: beehive, 2″; tulip, 1″; sign, 2″; acorn, 1″; pre-stained easel, 6″
  • Glitter maple leaves
  • Assorted beads and spacers
  • Wire: brass, 20-gauge, 4′ length; black, 22-gauge, 4″ length

Tools

  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Black, White, Empire Gold, Antique Gold, Moroccan Red, Terra Cotta, Raw Sienna, Spice Brown
  • Black fine-tip permanent marker
  • Powdered blush
  • Matte sealer
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks
  • Drill with 1⁄16″ bit
  • Wood glue
  • Bead board (optional)

Basic Supplies

paintbrush, wire cutter, sandpaper, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Size:

5”x7”

Chalkboard

1. Use wood glue to glue tulip (head) to top of beehive (body). Drill hole in top of chalkboard frame and two holes in opposite sides of sign top.

2. Paint: frame and sign Empire Gold, shade Raw Sienna; acorn Raw Sienna; acorn cap Spice Brown with Antique Gold + Terra Cotta (3:1) brush strokes; turkey head and body Terra Cotta. Draw face as shown. Paint: beak Empire Gold; wattle Moroccan Red. Sand turkey until smooth and shade edges Spice Brown. Apply blush to cheeks. Dot eyes White and pupils Black. Apply sealer. Let dry. Use marker to add line details to turkey edges and to write sign lettering.

3. Use Fig. 1 as tail feather bending guide. Cut 3′ wire length. Working from center feather out to edges, thread beads as desired for a total of five tail sections. (Note: For easier beading, use a bead board to place bead combinations in desired order.) After each section is complete, twist wire to secure. Push feathers together and bend wire ends out at bottom for turkey’s feet (Fig. 2).

4. Use hot glue gun to glue leaves and acorn as desired to frame and turkey to tail. Adhere turkey to frame. Wrap remaining brass wire length around chalk several times and thread end through frame front; twist wire at back to secure. Attach beads to wire end. Thread black wire ends through sign holes and wrap each end around wire to secure.

Chalking in Thanks

The days fly by and the seasons change without a moment’s notice. In today’s busy world, taking a moment to sit back with loved ones and reflect upon all of life’s precious gifts is a priceless luxury. The holidays bring families closer together and heighten everyone’s appreciation for even the small things too often taken for granted. If you choose to create the placecards, ask each guest before the meal begins to write down at least one thing they’re thankful for this past year. Maybe someone overcame an illness, came home from patriotic duties, or was blessed with the birth of a new child. Even in the aftermath of personal and family hardships, take the time to try and find the day’s and future’s silver lining.

by Meggan Maravich