by Jacqueline Prime

Created on: November 02, 2009

It seems as if the moment we turn our calendars to November, the hustle and bustle begins. From travel plans to dinner plans, there never seems to be enough time to get everything done. Keeping your little ones busy with fun Thanksgiving craft projects will help them get into the holiday spirit, and give you a bit of precious time. Before you begin, make sure that you have all of the materials you will need, like crayons, paint, glue sticks, construction paper, tissue paper, and feathers. It is often a good idea to have completed samples of the projects, as it can substitute for step by step instructions.

For a fun and colorful turkey craft, have your child trace his or her hand on a piece of construction paper. Cut or rip sheets of orange, brown and yellow tissue paper into two inch square pieces. Spread some glue on one of the traced fingers, and let your child scrunch the pieces of tissue, and place them on the glued surface. As each finger fills up with a colorful mosaic of tissue, your turkey begins to take shape! For a final touch, children can give their turkeys some personality by drawing a little face on the thumb.

If you are feeling really ambitious, another version of this craft can be done with paint. Brush a coat of colorful paint on your child's hand and let them use it like a giant stamp on a piece of construction paper. After washing off that hand, and giving the paint a few minutes to dry, this hand print turkey can be decorated with colorful feathers. Feathers can be used to turn many household items into turkeys! From paper plates, to inverted Styrofoam cups, let your children draw their best turkey faces, and bring out the feathers!

There's nothing better than a craft that your child can actually use, like a festive pilgrim hat! Simply cut a hat shape out of black or brown construction paper, and attach it to a thin headband strip. For an easy buckle, glue a square of aluminum foil onto the hat, and your little pilgrim won't want to take it off. Any leftover feathers can be used to make a Native American headdress. Simply cut strips of heavy construction paper for a headband, with longer strips down the back, and decorate with real or hand made feathers.

Crafts are a simple and fun way to include your children in Thanksgiving preparations, and your home will come alive with all of these festive decorations. While your kids are busy making their masterpieces, you can get to work on all that you have to do.

Learn more about this author, Jacqueline Prime.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.