Every fall, my daughter is obsessed with pumpkins. She gets obsessed with the different shapes and sizes of winter squash and pumpkins, so we end up buying more than we can really use (you can eat so much butternut squash soup and pumpkin pie)
A couple years ago we worked together to create this cute pumpkin turkey centerpiece for Thanksgiving. As is our annual ritual, we made it with a small “sugar pie” pumpkin (found at most grocery stores; we got ours at Trader Joes for $1). 99) and craft supplies that we happened to have on hand.
Kids of all ages can easily finish this fun autumn project with parental assistance, and it looks amazing displayed on the dining table. My kids and I like to write what were thankful for on the paper tail feathers, too.
You can download our template for the turkey head, wings, and feathers here. It is formatted for a standard 8-inch 5 x 11-inch letter size sheet of paper.
With this adorable pumpkin turkey centerpiece, you can add a whimsical touch to your Thanksgiving table while also making it easy and festive for kids of all ages. Get ready to gobble up some fun!
Materials:
- Heavy construction paper in fall colors (brown, orange, yellow, red, black)
- Crayons or markers
- Scissors
- Small “sugar pie” pumpkin
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Foam mounting tape or double-stick tape
- Turkey centerpiece template (download here) printed on plain paper
Instructions:
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Download and print the template: Print the turkey template onto plain paper and cut out each shape These will be your guide for creating the turkey parts to attach to the pumpkin.
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Create the tail feathers: Trace around the feather template to create nine tail feathers Make three each in brown, orange, and yellow. Kids can use their crayons or markers to draw a feather-like pattern on each one
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Assemble the tail: Arrange the tail feathers in alternating colors and fan them out into a semi-circle. Use the double-stick mounting tape to hold the feathers together at the bottom. This tape will also hold the feathers to the pumpkin, so make sure you use enough. You’ll also want to tape each feather to the one next to it about midway along, which helps keep them in place.
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Attach the tail to the pumpkin: Peel the backing from the tape at the bottom of the feathers and adhere it to the back of the pumpkin, with the pumpkin sitting upright.
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To create the head, trace around it and cut out the beak, wattle, and eyes. Using the template as a guide, adhere the face components to the head with the glue stick.
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Attach the head to the pumpkin: Using the double-stick tape, attach the head to the pumpkin so that the middle of the head rests on the pumpkin stem and the bottom of the neck is about halfway down. Tape it down in both spots.
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Create the wings: Trace and cut out the wings—you can draw some feathers on them if you like—and tape them to the sides of the pumpkin.
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Admire your handiwork: That’s all there is to it! Now step back and admire your creative handiwork and get ready for Thanksgiving.
Tips:
- Get creative with the colors and patterns of the feathers.
- Use different types of paper for a more textured look.
- Add googly eyes for a fun touch.
- Write what you’re thankful for on the paper tail feathers.
This pumpkin turkey centerpiece is a fun and easy way to get into the Thanksgiving spirit. It’s a great activity for kids and adults alike, and it’s sure to impress your guests. So gather your supplies and get crafting!
How to make it
- Once the template has been downloaded and printed, cut out each shape on plain paper. These are going to be used to build the parts of the turkey that are going to be fastened to the pumpkin.
- Trace around the feather template to create nine tail feathers. We made three of each in brown, orange, and yellow. Kids can use markers or crayons to decorate each one in the shape of feathers.
- The tail feathers should be spread out into a semicircle and arranged in alternating colors. Use the double-stick mounting tape to hold the feathers together at the bottom. Use plenty of tape, as it will also secure the feathers to the pumpkin. About halfway through, you should also tape each feather to the feather next to it to help keep them in place.
- Remove the backing from the tape at the base of the feathers and affix it to the back of the pumpkin once it is seated upright.
- Next, sketch and cut out the head and facial features, such as the beak, wattle, and eyes. Attach the face parts to the head using the glue stick, following the template as a guide.
- Using the double-stick tape, affix the head to the pumpkin, making sure the bottom of the neck extends approximately halfway down and the middle of the head rests on the pumpkin stem. Tape it down in both spots.
- If desired, add some feathers to the wings by drawing them, tracing and cutting them out, and then taping them to the sides of the pumpkin.
That’s all there is to it! Enjoy your artistic creation and start thinking about Thanksgiving!