Every fall, my daughter is obsessed with pumpkins. We wind up buying more pumpkins and winter squash than we can really use because she is infatuated with their various shapes and sizes (you can only 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. We made it using a small “sugar pie” pumpkin (available at most grocery stores—we got ours at Trader Joes for $1), a tradition we’ve started every year. 99) and craft supplies that we happened to have on hand.
With parental assistance, kids of all ages can easily complete this enjoyable autumn project, which 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.
Yo. Thanksgiving peeps! Looking for a fun and festive way to decorate your home for the holiday? Look no further than this simple turkey pumpkin carving idea!
This project is perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a great way to get everyone in the Thanksgiving spirit. Plus, it’s super easy to do, even if you’re not a carving pro
Why You’ll Love This Project:
- Easy and Fun: No need for fancy tools or carving skills, just a pumpkin and a few simple steps.
- Festive and Adorable: The finished turkey pumpkin is sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
- Customizable: You can personalize your turkey with different facial expressions, feathers, and other details.
- Great for All Ages: A fun activity for kids and adults to enjoy together.
Materials:
- Pumpkin
- Pumpkin carving kit or sharp knife
- Spoon
- Marker or pen
- Optional: Feathers, googly eyes, paint, etc.
Instructions:
- Choose Your Pumpkin: Select a pumpkin that’s the right size for your desired turkey. A medium-sized pumpkin works well.
- Carve the Head: Using a marker, draw a circle on the top of the pumpkin for the turkey’s head. Cut out the circle with your carving tool or knife.
- Carve the Eyes and Beak: Draw two small circles for the eyes and a triangle for the beak. Carve these out as well.
- Carve the Wattle: Draw a curved line under the beak for the wattle. Carve this out, but leave a small section at the bottom intact so it doesn’t fall off.
- Carve the Body: Draw the outline of the turkey’s body on the front of the pumpkin. Carve this out, leaving a border around the edges.
- Scoop Out the Pumpkin: Use a spoon to scoop out the pumpkin’s seeds and pulp.
- Add Details: If desired, you can add feathers, googly eyes, or paint to your turkey.
- Light It Up: Place a candle or LED light inside the pumpkin for a festive glow.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a Stencil: If you’re not confident in your freehand drawing skills, you can use a turkey stencil to trace the design onto the pumpkin.
- Start Small: If you’re a beginner, start with a smaller pumpkin to make carving easier.
- Be Careful: Always use caution when carving pumpkins, especially with sharp knives.
- Get Creative: Have fun and experiment with different designs and decorations for your turkey pumpkin.
Additional Resources:
- Pinterest Turkey Pumpkin Carving Ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/tkcarp1127/turkey-pumpkin/
- Pinterest Thanksgiving Pumpkin Carving Designs: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/thanksgiving-pumpkin-carving-designs–301811612507680365/
Make this simple turkey pumpkin carving a part of your Thanksgiving tradition and enjoy a fun and festive holiday!
How to make it
- After downloading and printing the template, cut out each shape on plain paper. These will be used to construct the turkey’s parts that will be attached to the pumpkin.
- Trace around the feather template to create nine tail feathers. We made three of each in brown, orange, and yellow. Children can decorate each one with a pattern resembling feathers using markers or crayons.
- Fan out the tail feathers into a semicircle and arrange them in alternating colors. Hold the feathers together at the bottom with the double-stick mounting tape. Make sure to use enough tape because it will also hold the feathers to the pumpkin. To help keep them in place, you should also tape each feather to the feather next to it about halfway through.
- When the pumpkin is sitting upright, remove the backing from the tape at the base of the feathers and attach it to the back of the pumpkin.
- Next, draw and cut out the features of the head and face, including the eyes, wattle, and beak. Using the template as a guide, adhere the face components to the head with the glue stick.
- Attach the head to the pumpkin using the double-stick tape, making sure the middle of the head rests on the pumpkin stem and the bottom of the neck extends about halfway down. Tape it down in both spots.
- Draw some feathers on the wings if you’d like, then trace and cut them out, then attach them to the pumpkin’s sides with tape.
That’s all there is to it! Take a moment to appreciate your artistic creation and get ready for Thanksgiving.
13 Levels of Pumpkin Carving: Easy to Complex | WIRED
FAQ
Can you carve pumpkins for Thanksgiving?
How long will a pumpkin last after carving?
How do you make a pumpkin carving stencil?
So take a shortcut and print out one of these simple pumpkin carving stencils—no design degree required. Print the stencil. Hollow out your pumpkin. Cut out the black pieces using scissors or a craft knife. Tape the stencil onto the pumpkin and use a black marker to trace the lines.
How do you attach a Turkey to a pumpkin?
Foam mounting tape or double stick tape (the foam mounting tape squares available at craft stores do a really nice job) Download and print out the template on plain paper and cut out each of the shapes. You’ll use these to create the parts of the turkey to attach to the pumpkin. Trace around the feather template to create nine tail feathers.
What are some easy pumpkin carving ideas for kids?
For an easy pumpkin carving idea that kiddos can get in on, too, look no further than this circus-themed menagerie dreamed up by Amanda Kingloff of Project Kid. A simple rectangular cut-out in the front of the pumpkin creates a cheeky display for plastic animals (or cars, or superheroes!) so their favorite can be on display all Halloween long.
How do you prepare a pumpkin for carving?
Prepare the Pumpkin Wash your pumpkin under the kitchen faucet. Texas A&M Today recommends using the cold water settings. If the pumpkin is quite dirty, the institute of higher learning also suggests using a vegetable brush to get it clean and ready for carving. 3. Cut the Pumpkin in Half