Turkey Craft for Kids (with FREE Template)
This simple turkey craft is more than just adorable and fun to make. With the addition of clothespin feathers (decorated with washi tape), it also makes a great tool for working on fine motor skills with your kiddo. The pinching is perfect for increased hand strength and promoting a mature pincer grasp, which is the most ideal grasp pattern when learning to use a pencil and write.
Of course, this easy turkey craft will also make a great Thanksgiving craft. Keep those little hands busy while you’re preparing the meal and then use the turkey as a table decoration. You could even make one for each place setting and clip a napkin to it.
If you like this turkey craft, you’re also going to love making this paper turkey, this stuffed newspaper turkey and these popsicle stick pilgrims.
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 plate (9-inch coated)
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Googly eyes (or printable paper eyes)
- Clothespins (10 to 12)
- Washi tape (variety of colors and patterns)
- Construction paper scraps
- Glue stick
- Turkey craft template
No more excuses…making crafts with your kids has never been easier, even when life is hectic. We keep things simple and fun around here by sticking to a master list of supplies that we use for all of the craft projects you see on this site and in our shop. It’s like a capsule wardrobe…but for kids’ crafts. That way, once you fill your bag, you’re ready to craft memories with your kids any time and anywhere.
Save this Thanksgiving Turkey Craft for later. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board…
How to make a Turkey Craft (with Clothespin Feathers)
Step 1: Use the Turkey Craft Template
- Download and print the turkey craft template.
- Use it to cut the two parts of the body from a paper plate.
- Then cut the beak and waddle from scraps of construction paper.
Step 2: Color and Glue
- With the matte side of the plate facing up, color the parts of the turkey’s body whatever color you would like using crayons (or markers). We stuck with traditional brown, but you can use whatever colors you like.
- Next, use your glue stick to attach the head of the turkey to the round body, as pictured.
Step 3: Add the Face
- Glue the waddle and beak in place on the face of your turkey.
- Then put some googly eyes (or printable paper eyes) in place.
Step 4: Make the Turkey Feathers
- Take out 10 or 12 clothespins.
- Cover one side of the the clothespins using a variety of colors and patterns of washi tape.
- If there is any excess tape sticking over the sides or ends, trim it away with your scissors.
- Press the tape down firmly so that it sticks well.
Step 5: Put It All Together
- Clip the clothespin “feathers” onto your turkey craft.
- Alternate colors.
*You can also use this as an opportunity to practice counting as your child puts the feathers in place.
I absolutely love crafts that you can continue to enjoy even after the initial creation process is complete. This little turkey craft is so much more than he appears. You can use him to practice fine motor skills, counting, math, hand strength, or just for fun…taking off the feathers and putting them back in place. It can be a very satisfying and calming activity.