Thanksgiving Handprint Crafts

Thanksgiving crafting is a delightful way for kids to engage in imaginative play and create keepsakes that celebrate the fall season. One popular type of Thanksgiving craft is the handprint turkey, which is simple, quick, and requires minimal materials. In this article, we'll explore several variations of the handprint turkey craft and provide instructions to help you make your own customized Thanksgiving crafts.

What is a Handprint Turkey?

A handprint turkey is a fun and easy-to-make craft that features a turkey shape created using the hands of young children. The process involves painting the child's hand with bright, colorful paint and then pressing it onto a white background. After the paint dries, different decorations such as eyes, beak, and feet can be added to create a realistic and adorable turkey.

Why Make a Handprint Turkey?

Handprint turkey crafts are a fantastic way to celebrate Thanksgiving with young children. Not only do they encourage fine motor skills, like gripping and coloring, but they also provide an opportunity for imaginative play and storytelling. Plus, the keepsakes made from these crafts become popular gifts that can be cherished for years to come.

Easy Handprint Turkey Crafting Instructions

###Materials:

• Colored cardstock or construction paper

• Glue stick

• Scissors

• Pencils or colored pencils

• Turkey footprint template (optional)

###Tools:

• Markers or colored pencils

• Black Sharpie

-googly eyes

###Procedure:

1. Print the Turkey Footprint Template: If you're making a turkey footprint craft, print out the template and cut out the pieces.

2. ** Cut the Turkeys:** Cut two turkey bodies from the colored paper, using the footprints as a guide.

3. Glue the Heads and Bodies Together: Position the heads and bodies of the turkeys on the colored paper, aligning them closely.

4. Trace Hands: Use a pencil or markers to outline the child's hand and draw out its features.

5. Cut out the Hands: Cut the traced hands out of the colored paper.

6. Assemble the Turkey: Gently paste the cut hands onto the turkey bodies, pressing down lightly to make sure the paint transfers.

7. Decorate: Add details such as eyes, beak, and feet to the turkey using markers, colored pencils, or glue.

8. Design Your Own: Feel free to get creative and design your own unique turkey craft, perhaps with different colors or materials.

Variations on the Handprint Turkey Craft

Handprint Turkey Card

1. Cut out the turkey silhouette from the colored paper and decorate it as desired.

2. Cut a strip of cardstock and fold it into a tube.

3. Attach the turkey silhouette to the front of the tube and glue on the end.

4. Write a thankful message inside the tube and add some decorative touches.

Handprint Turkey and Fall Tree

1. Cut two turkey bodies and two fall trees from the colored paper.

2. Glue the trees onto the backs of the turkey bodies.

3. Decorate the turkey bodies and trees with markers or colored pencils.

4. Attach the Turkey bodies to the trees using glue.

Thanksgiving Poem and Writing Practice

1. Write a short Thanksgiving poem inspired by the child's own poem.

2. Have the child trace their handprint and cut it out.

3. Paste the poem onto the cardstock and add decorative borders or stickers.

Setting the Turkeys Free Book and Craft

1. Cut the turkey silhouette from the colored paper.

2. Fold the cardstock and cut along the outline.

3. Write a story about setting the turkey free into the space left by the cut-out turkey.

4. Fold the cardstock again and cut along the edges.

5. Decorate the cardboard turkey with markers or colored pencils.

Decorative Options for Your Handprint Turkey

• Add a fun headband adorned with stickers or fabric flowers.
• Glue on simple hairpins or pins to create a turkey-style do.
• Create a simple tail using black construction paper and glue.

##Thanksgiving handprint crafts are a simple yet thoughtful way to celebrate the holiday with your little ones. Whether you opt for the classic turkey footprint or try one of the many variations, the result will be a handmade keepsake that celebrates the season. Most importantly, these crafts are not only fun and productive for the kids but also a wonderful bonding experience for the whole family.