Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to celebrate gratitude, family, and fun activities with kids. This easy Paper Turkey Craft is a perfect project for children of all ages, combining creativity with hands-on crafting skills. The craft kit includes a free PDF printable template, available in both color and black-and-white versions. The color version is ready to assemble, while the black-and-white version offers kids the chance to customize their turkey with their own colors.
Follow this step-by-step guide to create an adorable turkey that’s great for holiday decorations, a Thanksgiving display, or simply a fun craft for kids.
- Materials Needed:
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Download and Print the Template:
- Color the Black-and-White Template (Optional):
- Cut Out the Template Pieces Carefully:
- Prepare the Base for Assembly:
- Assemble the Turkey’s Tail Feathers:
- Attach the Turkey’s Body and Head:
- Add Wings and Legs:
- Displaying Your Paper Turkey
Materials Needed:
To complete this craft, you will need the following materials:
- White cardstock or thick paper (for sturdiness)
- Printer (to print the template)
- Scissors (for cutting out the pieces)
- Glue (for assembling the turkey)
- Colored pencils or markers (optional, if you choose the black-and-white template)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Download and Print the Template:
Get your free printables at the bottom of this post
Start by downloading the free PDF printable template. You can choose between the color version and the black-and-white version, depending on whether your child wants to color the turkey or have it ready to assemble. Print the chosen version onto white cardstock for durability.
Get your free printables at the bottom of this post
Color the Black-and-White Template (Optional):
If you’re using the black-and-white template, now’s the time for kids to get creative with colors! Thanksgiving turkeys are often vibrant, so encourage children to use red, orange, yellow, and brown to bring their turkey to life. Coloring is not only fun but also a great way to practice fine motor skills.
Cut Out the Template Pieces Carefully:
Once colored (if applicable), carefully cut out each piece of the turkey template. You’ll have all the necessary parts: the tail feathers, round body, head, wings, and legs. Precision is key here, so be sure to help younger children with the scissors, if needed.
Prepare the Base for Assembly:
To give your turkey a strong backing, use a horizontal sheet of cardstock as the base for assembling the turkey. This sheet will provide support for the craft and make it easier to display the finished project.
Assemble the Turkey’s Tail Feathers:
Start by gluing the tail feathers in the shape of a fan at the center of your base sheet. The feathers should fan out behind the turkey, giving it a vibrant, full tail. This part is often the highlight of the turkey, so arrange the feathers evenly for a balanced look.
Attach the Turkey’s Body and Head:
Next, glue the round body shape over the base of the tail feathers. Place it slightly lower so that the feathers are visible above. Then, attach the head of the turkey to the top of the body. Now your turkey is beginning to take shape!
Add Wings and Legs:
Complete the turkey by attaching the two wings to the sides of the body, and then glue on the legs at the bottom. The wings can be angled outward for a friendly look, while the legs add stability and a finishing touch to your turkey.
Displaying Your Paper Turkey
Once everything is glued and assembled, allow the turkey to dry for a few minutes. Now, your paper turkey craft is ready! This cute and simple decoration can be displayed on a table, attached to a wall, or even used as part of a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
This craft is an excellent activity for kids to enjoy at home, in classrooms, or at holiday events. It helps develop fine motor skills, color recognition, and offers a chance to learn about the significance of Thanksgiving in a fun, hands-on way. Happy crafting, and happy Thanksgiving!
