This simple DIY project will be devoured by your kids, who will also, at last, stop pestering you in the kitchen on Thanksgiving.
An all too familiar Thanksgiving scene: You’re (still!) working in the warm kitchen, wearing an apron, trying to make a batch of mashed potatoes while assembling your Thanksgiving dessert. Your culinary prowess will undoubtedly impress your family, but when it comes to last-minute preparations, the kids aren’t cooperating at all. Cue the whining: “Moooooooom, Im bored! Why cant I just watch YouTube challenges on my iPad?”.
Try pulling out some plain white computer paper and a pack of washable markers before giving in to the mindless technology. Set a challenge for your restless group to make these incredibly easy DIY hand turkeys, which are the easiest Thanksgiving crafts for kids. Weve conveniently mapped out an exact step-by-step tutorial, below. Bling out that bird, though, if you have extra buttons, sequins, feathers, pom-poms, stickers, or glitter stashed away in your arts and crafts supply closet. We added glitter to the hat buckle and adhered a googly eye to the peeper.
Another amazing mom tip: To create the ideal Thanksgiving table settings, turn their artwork into placemats. Just ask the kids to sign their names on their drawings, then encourage them to be more independent by helping them proudly set the kids’ table. Pro tip: You might want to think about upgrading to a thicker card stock for the placemat project. Its more durable and can go the distance from dinner to dessert. Gobble, gobble!.
Below, your find step-by-step instructions to make this adorable Thanksgiving craft. You can also follow along in the video above.
Using a sharp pencil, trace the outline of your hand on a new piece of white computer paper. Tip: You might want to remove bracelets and bling for smoother lines . unlike me!.
Yay! Youve traced your hand. Now draw a line to separate your “feathers” from the body of your turkey. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
The hand turkey is a cherished Thanksgiving tradition that brings back fond memories for many It’s a simple yet meaningful craft that captures the essence of childhood and gratitude,
The History of the Hand Turkey
The origins of the hand turkey are unclear, but it’s believed to have emerged sometime in the medieval period. The idea of tracing a child’s hand and transforming it into a turkey with the addition of eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers proved to be a delightful and enduring concept.
The Significance of the Hand Turkey
The hand turkey is more than just a craft; it represents a collection of special moments that define motherhood. It’s a tangible reminder of the preciousness of childhood, the joy of creativity, and the importance of gratitude.
For many mothers, receiving their first hand turkey from their child is a defining moment in their journey as a parent. It’s a symbol of the bond between mother and child, and a testament to the transformative power of motherhood.
The Hand Turkey as a Keepsake
The hand turkey serves as a treasured keepsake that evokes nostalgia and warm memories. As children grow older, their hand turkeys become a tangible reminder of their childhood innocence and creativity.
Mothers often display their children’s hand turkeys with pride, creating a gallery of memories that chronicle their children’s growth and development. These hand turkeys become a cherished part of family history, passed down through generations.
The Hand Turkey as a Symbol of Thanksgiving
The hand turkey is also a symbol of Thanksgiving, a time for reflection and gratitude. It represents the abundance of blessings in our lives, and the importance of appreciating the simple joys.
The hand turkey reminds us to be thankful for our families our friends and all the good things in our lives. It’s a reminder to cherish the present moment and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism.
The hand turkey is a timeless tradition that captures the essence of childhood, creativity, and gratitude It’s a cherished keepsake that evokes nostalgia and warm memories, and a symbol of Thanksgiving that reminds us to appreciate the blessings in our lives
Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, or simply someone who appreciates the simple things in life, the hand turkey is a reminder of the importance of family, friends, and gratitude. So, this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on the hand turkeys you’ve received or created, and let them inspire you to appreciate all the good things in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a hand turkey look like?
A hand turkey is created by tracing a child’s hand onto a piece of paper or cardstock. The fingers are then spread out to resemble a turkey’s tail feathers, and the thumb is used as the turkey’s head. Eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers are added to complete the design.
- How do you make a hand turkey?
To make a hand turkey, you will need the following materials:
- Paper or cardstock
- Pencil or marker
- Scissors
- Glue
- Colored markers, crayons, or paint
- Trace your child’s hand onto the paper or cardstock.
- Cut out the hand shape.
- Spread the fingers out to resemble a turkey’s tail feathers.
- Use the thumb as the turkey’s head.
- Draw eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers on the turkey.
- What is the history of the hand turkey?
The origins of the hand turkey are unclear, but it’s believed to have emerged sometime in the medieval period. The idea of tracing a child’s hand and transforming it into a turkey with the addition of eyes, a beak, and colorful feathers proved to be a delightful and enduring concept.
- What is the significance of the hand turkey?
The hand turkey is more than just a craft; it represents a collection of special moments that define motherhood. It’s a tangible reminder of the preciousness of childhood, the joy of creativity, and the importance of gratitude.
- How can I use a hand turkey as a decoration?
Hand turkeys can be used as decorations in a variety of ways. You can hang them on a string or ribbon, or use them to create a festive garland. You can also frame them and display them in your home.
Additional Resources
- Memphis Moms: The Hand Turkey: A Rite of Passage
- YouTube: How to Make a Hand Turkey
Color in the lines.
Or dont! We traced our “turkey” in brown marker, then used crayons to have fun with the feathers. Blue? You betcha!.
Draw wings and feet.
Using makers, draw a wing on the body of the turkey and two little turkey legs with toes.