THANKSGIVING CRAFTS

Signs and Turkeys

Thanksgiving signs are easy to make and you can do any number of variations.  Start with a piece of cardboard, any size you like (I used a 10 x 12 square) and paint with a few coats of chalkboard paint.  Kids can then use chalk to write any message they choose on their signs which is always fun for them and if necessary they can erase and start over or change messages.

For leaves and turkey I used watercolor paper and some colored paper for turkey body and head.  Kids can paint the leaves and turkey feathers any way they like or they can even use markers or crayons.  

Copy the turkey and leaf shapes from the picture or make your own, cut and glue to cardboard chalkboard and it's ready to paint.  Kids or helper can then paint a message and it's ready to hang up.

PINE CONE TURKEYS

All kids love making pine cone turkeys because they look so adorable and they are so easy.  

Helper will glue a walnut head on first with a glue gun (to make sure it sticks) and then eyes, beak and red piece.  

Give kids a bunch of colored feathers (from craft store) and a bit of glue to dip end of feather into just to make sure they stay in place.  For more about pine cone turkeys see November  2016 in this blog.

JELLYFISH ~ PAPER MACHE

Paper mache Jellyfish are easy to make and fun for kids to paint as there are so many different ways kids can make their jellyfish their own.  After Jellyfish is painted, you can add a coat of clear acrylic finish and a little glitter for a sparkly, watery effect.

Jellyfish is created from a balloon covered with a few layers of paper mache. I like to use torn newspaper strips and liquid starch but you can use any paper mache recipe you like.  When Jellyfish is dry it's best to paint an undercoat of white (I like Gesso).  For tentacles you can use wire, pipe cleaners, fabric, or ribbon.  Even paper would work.  Attach tentacles by making little holes in Jellyfish or use tacky glue if using ribbon, paper or fabric. For final coat acrylic paints work best and you can use the little inexpensive bottles sold at craft stores.

For more detailed instructions go to the Easter Basket craft dated Sunday April 9, 2017 in this blog as the projects are very similar.  Follow instructions up to cutting the edge. Where Easter basket has a jagged edge, Jellyfish will be more of a scalloped edge.  After base coat is painted you will attach tentacles and Jellyfish is ready to paint.  Encourage kids to paint their Jelly any way they like.  Attach a piece of fishing line and hang it up!  Make lots of Jellies, they look beautiful together,