One of the best things about thanksgiving is the prep for it. This year is a little different with the pandemic but it doesn’t mean we cant enjoy all of the fun things that go along with thanksgiving. Going on a walk around the back yard collecting leaves for a center piece, baking yummy treats and art projects! My go to art project for this time of year involves paint and leaves. However, thanks to the pandemic, toddler safe paint is still virtually impossible to find so I had to get a bit more creative! Read below to find out how to make this super simple and FUN art project using your Cricut! (I have tips on how to do it without one as well).
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If using a Cricut:
- In design space, I searched for an image of a turkey (filtering to multi layer) and found one that looked kind of fun.
- I ungrouped the turkey image and removed one layer of the feathers (as we will be replacing it with leaves) but kept one layer to attach the leaves on
- Next I searched for a leaf in design space. Looking for a thin one that was pointy (easiest for the kiddos to decorate!).
- Print out all of the pieces!
- Don’t have a Cricut? Go to google and search for a turkey clipart image and then print it off and cut it out. If you go into word and do an image search you can find leaves and a turkey that you can print out and use as a template to handcut.
Assembling the Turkey
- Once the pieces were printed out I assembled the turkey body. Since it is for toddlers this is an easy way for them to see and understand the craft right away! If this is for an older child then they may want to take part in this step as well.
- I kept the one remaining feather section separate as this will be used to attach the leaves
Craft time!
- Gather supplies! Pull out your markers, crayons, stickers, googly eyes, glitter, whatever is your kids favourite
- Let them decorate however they want!
- Want to take this craft over the top? Put on music!
- Once they are done, glue the decorated leaves to the original feather piece printed and saved. Then attach the decorated turkey body. (If you didn’t print this with a cricut then just glue the leaves to the turkey body)
- For older kids, this is a great time to ask what they are thankful for and even have them write it on the leaves!
- TIP: Don’t forget to write your child’s name and age on the back
This is such a fun project for kids to get creative with and if you have any older relatives this makes a great little gift to drop off at their door!
What is your favourite Thanksgiving craft to do with your little ones?
Happy gobble gobble day!
Jo
The kids had a great time with all the markers and stickers! My daughter is a sticker fanatic, so that was a big hit for her! It’s also a great fine motor skill developing task….peeling the stickers off of the page!! Happy Thanksgiving!