Thanksgiving: Paper Mache Turkey – A Creative Project for the Holidays

Get ready to gobble up some fun with this festive paper mache turkey project!

This Thanksgiving why not ditch the store-bought decorations and create your own unique centerpiece? This paper mache turkey is a fun and easy project that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to get creative, get messy, and get in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Paper Mache Supplies:
  • Fall-colored cardstock
  • Unbleached cone coffee filters
  • Food coloring
  • Glue
  • Shredded newspaper
  • A balloon
  • Sharpie
  • Scissors
  • Masking tape
  • Brown paint
• Additional Supplies:
  • Yellow, brown, and red cardstock
  • Googly eyes
  • String or dental floss
  • A bowl or towel

Get ready to get crafty!

1. Make the Turkey Body:

• Blow up a balloon to your desired turkey size.
• Mix 3 parts glue to 1 part water in a pan.
• Dip strips of newspaper into the glue mixture, removing excess glue with your fingers.
• Apply the newspaper strips to the balloon, creating at least 3 layers.
• Tie a string or dental floss around the balloon’s knot and hang it to dry overnight. Place a bowl or towel underneath to catch any dripping glue.
• Once dry, paint the turkey body brown.

2. Create the Feathers:

• Draw feather shapes on the coffee filters and cut them out.
• In a shallow pan, add a little water.
• Drip food coloring onto each feather, then dip it in the water to spread the color.
• Lay the feathers flat to dry overnight.

3. Assemble the Turkey:

• Cut out a turkey head from dark brown cardstock and add a yellow beak and red waddle.
• Cut a semi-circle from yellow cardstock (brown would be better) and mold it around the turkey body’s widest part. Secure it with tape. Paint the taped area brown.
• Glue the feathers in a fan design onto the front, covering the cardstock.
• Cut off the balloon’s tip and either glue the head over the hole or attach it with brown paper strips around the body.
• Create a base by taping a long strip of cardstock into a circle.

4. Personalize Your Turkey:

• Write things you’re thankful for on the turkey body throughout the week, turning it into a Thanksgiving gratitude turkey.
• Add googly eyes for a whimsical touch.
• Get creative and add your own personal touches!

Enjoy your festive paper mache turkey!

This project is a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving and create a unique centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s also a great activity for kids, allowing them to express their creativity and get involved in the holiday spirit. So gather your supplies, get ready to get messy, and have fun creating your very own paper mache turkey!

Additional Tips:

• Use different colors of cardstock and coffee filters to create a more vibrant turkey.
• Add glitter or sequins for extra sparkle.
• Make multiple turkeys in different sizes for a festive centerpiece.
• Get the whole family involved in the project!

Happy Thanksgiving!