Thanksgiving Turkey Craft (FREE Template)

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This Thanksgiving turkey craft is so beyond adorable and starts with a simple paper lunch bag. Customize it so that it holds whatever you like in his little feathered “hands”. Then put it on a shelf or the mantle for a sweet DIY Thanksgiving decoration. Download the free turkey craft template for easy crafting.

If you like this Thanksgiving turkey craft, you’re also going to love making this clothespin turkey craft, this stuffed turkey or these Pilgrim crafts.

craft a week collection image of cover on ipad sitting on blue desk

Nourish Your Relationship with Your Kids as You Craft Together all Year Long…

Fun Facts about Turkeys

  • Only male turkeys actually gobble. They do it to show off for the ladies.
  • Wild turkeys can fly, but domesticated ones can’t.
  • The head of a turkey can change color, from red to blue to white, depending on their mood.
  • Wild turkeys often sleep in trees to protect themselves from predators.
  • The turkey was almost our national bird but lost out to the bald eagle.
  • To learn more about turkeys, check out this article by Best Life.

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Combine Reading with Crafting

The absolute best way that I can think of to elevate the crafting experience is to combine with reading a good book. Here are some of our favorite turkey themed books for kids.

SUPPLIES FROM THE BAG

  • Paper lunch bag
  • Construction paper
  • Glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Newspaper
  • Scotch tape
  • Markers
  • Turkey craft template

Who would think that such a cute turkey craft would come from something as simple as a paper lunch bag. The best part is you already have one (or lots) in your kids’ craft bag if you’ve used our master list to prepare.

We stick to that list for everything that we make here…no more running out to the store or putting off making things with your kids because you don’t have the just right thing. No more excuses or missed opportunities to create memories. Just fill your bag and craft along.

Save this Animal Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

Thanksgiving Turkey Craft for Kids

How to make a Thanksgiving Turkey Craft

Step 1: Trim the Bag

  • Take out a paper lunch bag from your craft supplies (they should already be in your bag if you used our master list to fill it).
  • Cut off the top 2 to 3 inches of the bag.
Turkey Craft Step 1
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 1

Step 2: Use the Turkey Craft Template

  • Now download and print the turkey craft template.
  • Use it to cut out all of the parts for your turkey craft.
  • You will need 8 tail feathers in colors of your choice.
  • Then, out of brown (a color close to the color of the paper bag) cut the head, feather tuft and the 2 wings.
  • Cut the feet and beak from yellow and the wattle from red.
TURKEY CRAFT TEMPLATE
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 2

Step 3: Make Turkey Legs

  • From yellow paper that matches the feet, cut 2 strips of paper about an inch wide.
  • Fold each using an accordion fold.
  • Then use your glue stick to attach a foot to the bottom of each accordion folded strip of paper.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 3
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 3

Step 4: Put Together the Turkey Face

  • It’s time to put together the head of the turkey.
  • Glue the wattle and beak in place.
  • Use markers to draw on some eyes.
  • Then add any other details that you would like using markers or crayons.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 4
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 4

Step 5: Add the Wings

  • Fold over the top of the bag about an inch and fold in the sides at an angle. This mimics how the bag will be scrunched at the top when we stuff it and add the head.
  • Glue a wing to each side of the bag, point straight out at a 90 degree angle, as pictured.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 5
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 5

Step 6: Now for the Tail Feathers

  • Now that the wings are in place, start adding the tail feathers.
  • It’s best to start in the middle and work your way out, glue the feather in an arch around the edge of the lunch bag.
  • Be sure not to place wings that angle below the bottom of the bag or your turkey will not be able to sit down properly.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 6
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 6

Step 7: Stuff the Bag

  • Next, open up the top of the paper lunch bag.
  • Tear strips of newspaper and crumple them up.
  • Add the crumple up newspaper balls one at a time to the bag.
  • Fill it until the bag is puffy but not over-stuffed.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 7
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 7

Step 8: Crimp It

  • Scrunch the top of the bag together and twist it slightly.
  • Take a piece of tape and wrap it around the top of the bag, as pictured.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 8
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 8

Step 9: Add the Turkey Head

  • Now place the head of your turkey craft over the taped up section. We placed it at a slight angle.
  • Use tape to secure the head in place, place strips over the scrunched up part of the bag that extend out and attach the head.
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 9
TURKEY RAFT STEP 9

Step 10: Finish Off Your Thanksgiving Turkey Craft

  • Finally, make something for your turkey to hold. We chose to cut out a simple heart, but you can make whatever you like…maybe a pumpkin or some other Thanksgiving symbol.
  • Use the glue stick to attach the ends of each wing to your object so that it is holding it in front of itself.
THANKSGIVING TURKEY CRAFT STEP 10
TURKEY CRAFT STEP 10

Now that you know how to make this Thanksgiving turkey craft, it’s time to decide what to do with him. Of course, you can play with him and tell a fun Thanksgiving story (maybe even from one of the books that we recommended or make up your own).

You can also find a place on the Thanksgiving table or somewhere else in the house. Maybe you can even make one for each member of the family and have your turkey holding each person’s name. Put one on each empty Thanksgiving dinner plate at the holiday table as a super special placecard.

Listen to this Thanksgiving book being read as you craft together.

Save this Thanksgiving Activity for Kids for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…

Thanksgiving Turkey Craft for Kids
Paper Turkey Craft for Kids
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