40 Best Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts

Loraine loves arts and crafts and used to volunteer at an elementary art class. She loves sharing fun and easy craft tutorials.

Thanksgiving Art Projects

Let's face it: Thanksgiving is like the middle child of holidays. Although it is a celebrated holiday, it seems to lose importance because it's between Halloween and Christmas.

When you want to decorate for the holiday, it is sometimes difficult to find supplies for those Thanksgiving and turkey projects. At times we just have to make do with the supplies we can find. In this article, I'll show some nice projects, include a picture of the project, and give a link to the directions for it.

Go to Kids & Glitter for the directions and patterns for the "We Give Thanks" wreath shown above.

1. Paper Bag Pumpkin

Wouldn't this be a terrific idea for table decorations for a large banquet where a lot of items are needed? The supplies are inexpensive, and the pumpkins are easy to make. Check out the tutorial at A Crafty Mom’s Life to make these paper bag pumpkins.

2. Thanksgiving Banner

This is a beautiful Thanksgiving banner that you will use year after year. Go to Holiday Crafts for the instructions.

3. Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial

Find a great fabric pumpkin tutorial by going to The Cottage Mama. This is elegant and easy!

4. Turkey Button Art

This is a Thanksgiving card project, but I think it is also appropriate to use the idea for an art project. If you don't have enough buttons, consider using sequins, dotting paint, or thumbprints instead of the buttons. Find the instructions for making this button card art at A Couple of Craft Addicts.

5. Indian Corn Magnet

Chenille strips and beads make this a colorful and easy craft to make, even for very little kids. Go to the Parents site to find the instructions for making these Indian corn magnets. Useful and unique.

6. Turkey Party Hat

The kids especially will enjoy making and wearing these turkey party hats. A great Thanksgiving tradition started.

7. Turkey Napkin Rings

I love the colorful feathers on these clothespin turkey napkin rings. The kids will love making these napkin rings for your Thanksgiving table. The instructions are found at Uncommon Designs.

8. Cereal Box Turkeys

Start saving your cereal boxes so you'll have plenty of cardboard to make these cute little turkeys. A nice inexpensive Thanksgiving craft for all ages. The instructions for making these turkeys are found at Plum Pudding.

9. Zentangle Pumpkin Art

The kids are going to love making this zentangle art, and they'll be so pleased with how beautiful their pumpkin art will turn out. Check the Angela Anderson blog to see how to make zentangle pumpkins.

10. Folk Art Thankful Art

This art project includes using oil pastels, so you know it'll be loads of fun. Go to Sine Metu Designs for the directions, and then make your own folk art.

11. Spatter Leaf Art

The photo shown here doesn't do this project credit at all. Be sure you go to the Berceaumagique site to see the step-by-step pictures showing how this is done. The blog is written in a foreign language, but the pictures show how to proceed. You'll have to scroll down a ways to find this project on the page.

12. Leaf Luminaries

It's fun to decorate for Thanksgiving when you have cute items such as these leaf luminaries to decorate with.

13. Pilgrim Silhouettes

Use the downloadable Pilgrim silhouettes from Box to make Thanksgiving pictures like these. Or make embroidery hoop pictures like the ones at Atta Girl Says.

14. Thanksgiving Place Cards

These Thanksgiving place cards are made by using the small terra cotta flower pots. Very cute and very easy to make. Find the tutorial for making these place cards at Better Homes and Gardens.

15. Scarecrow Magnet

Use these scarecrow magnets to help you display all the kids' Thanksgiving art project on your fridge. Find the tutorial for making the scarecrow magnets at Today's Creative Idea.

16. Be Thankful Utensil Holders

There are printables included in this project by The Idea Room to help you make these utensil holders in no time flat. A beautiful way to include a word of thankfulness at the table.

17. Gratitude Board

Imagine how much easier it would be to teach the little ones and the bigger ones gratitude if you had a Give Thanks board reminder. It may take a little time to make this, but it will be well worth the time. You'll find the tutorial for this craft at Jellybean Junkyard.

18. Pine Cone Turkey Decoration

19. Turkey Pop-up Card

Pop-up cards are so much fun to make, but sometimes it's hard to give them away. Make this cute turkey pop-up card and then give it to someone in the family.

20. I'm No Turkey

The kids love using their imaginations to dream up outfits to hide their turkey from being Thanksgiving dinner. Find a copy of the turkey to be dressed at Kids & Glitter.

21. Thanksgiving Turkey Mask

Imagine the fun that the kids will have making and wearing a turkey mask. You'll find the instructions that you'll need to make this mask at Designs With Heart.

23. Hand Print Turkey Keepsake

You'll be aware of how much the little ones have grown from one year to the next by making keepsakes like this. Find the instructions at Share & Remember.

24. Harvest Crowns

Make cute little harvest crowns by finding the directions at the Made Everyday site.

25. Giving Thanks Tree

A great way for the family to reflect on all the things that they are thankful for. Give everyone a chance to add their thoughts to this Giving Thanks tree shown on Jumpstart. Also, find the instructions for the project there.

26. Stand Up Turkey

You'll find the directions for this cute stand-up turkey at Designs With Heart.

27. Chenille Strip Thanksgiving Finger Puppets

28. Acorn Napkin Rings

Thanksgiving and the beautiful things in nature go hand in hand. A great example is this acorn napkin ring by Hello Little Home.

29. Crocheted Turkey Wreath

This is a very nice-looking Thanksgiving wreath that will be used for many years during the fall holidays. Go to Favecrafts for all the instructions.

30. Leaf Window Clings

I've never tried to make window clings, but these leaf window clings look like something fun to make.

31. Indian Corn Thanksgiving Favors

32. Autumn Leaf

This is a very interesting craft because you use the flimsy type of window screening to make the leaves. Find the instructions at Crafts for all Seasons and make some of these leaves for your fall decorations.

33. Waxed Fall Leaves

This waxed fall leaves project looks interesting. A leaf garland made using them would be outstanding.

34. Fabulously Frugal Pumpkins

Make a quick and easy set of pumpkins by following the pictured directions at Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom.

35. Placemat and Crayons

Be prepared to entertain the little ones at the Thanksgiving table by having crayons and a placemat for them to color. You'll find what you need for this project at Alpha Mom.

36. Book Page Leaves Wreath

Find the instructions at Good Housekeeping.

37. Felt Leaf Napkin Rings and Placecards

The perfect touch for your Thanksgiving table. Find the directions at Merriment Design.

38. Turkey Favor Tins

These very attractive turkey favor tins, with the tutorial for making them at Burton Avenue, will be the finishing touch for your holiday table. Very nice!

39. Glitter Leaves and Acorns Thanksgiving Napkins

Make beautiful Thanksgiving napkins by following the instructions at Crafts by Amanda. These will definitely put the finishing touch on your holiday table.

40. Scarecrow Centerpiece

Make an outstanding Thanksgiving centerpiece like this scarecrow by going to the Craft Klatch website for the tutorial.

© 2011 Loraine Brummer

Love to Decorate For Thanksgiving? - or share some words of wisdom

Nancy Tate Hellams from Pendleton, SC on November 23, 2013:

Wow, these are some great Thanksgiving Crafts. Thanks so much for sharing and I will share, too.

anonymous on December 09, 2012:

Very creative lens. I love your versatility.

bgassociate on November 20, 2012:

great craft ideas

Rosemarystilson55 on November 16, 2012:

there some really cool crafts love the cd turkey

Deadicated LM on November 16, 2012:

Thanks for the great craft ideas; I decorate a little bit for Thanksgiving.

shovonpk on November 14, 2012:

Arts and Crafts i like it

Mary Stephenson from California on November 09, 2012:

Lot of terrific ideas here.

FantasticBdaypa on November 06, 2012:

great ideas! I love the glitter wreath at the beginning of the lens!

nicey on November 04, 2012:

I give you thumbs up! How do you get all these creative ideas?I would like to make things without copying others.The pictures were excellente.

anne mohanraj on November 04, 2012:

Thank you for sharing this very interesting and creative lens!

amandascloset0 on September 22, 2012:

These are really cute! My daughter is going to love them. Thanks for sharing these!

Jackie Block from SE Michigan on August 30, 2012:

These are really cute crafts. I can't wait to give them a try. Thanks for sharing these!

kengibbons4 on November 23, 2011:

Just gave you a squidoo like and love the page. If you could give me a squidoo like since I am trying to spread the word on the tax topic. Hoping more people will foster animals if the now they can deduct the expenses on their tax return.

norma-holt on November 22, 2011:

Wonderful and so visually appealing. Congrats on LOTD and now featured on Squidoo LOTD Lenses, hugs

Srena44 on November 17, 2011:

great lens

anonymous on November 15, 2011:

Great lens.

VSP on November 15, 2011:

Great lens! Will be featured on Fri. on my fb page Homeschool Preschool thru High School.

DebMartin on November 15, 2011:

Great lens. I love the Autumn Elegance. Nice.

anonymous on November 15, 2011:

I love crafts, and you have some delightful ideas here, I'm adding a link to my Autumn LensCongrats on the Purple Star and Lens of the Day awards!

SofiaMann on November 15, 2011:

I love your lens. Congratulations on LOTD.

JennySui on November 15, 2011:

Wonderful Lens! Congrats on LOtD:)

Doglover5 on November 15, 2011:

Great lens with lots of good ideas and kids will love it. Congrats on your lens of the day award. Thumbs up.

nbrandt123 on November 15, 2011:

Beautiful lens! Love the way it was presented. thumbs up!

lonce on November 15, 2011:

We always look out for the simple and cheap decorating ideas. You certainly have it on the plate. Thanks much.

Steven Cousley from Young, NSW, Australia on November 14, 2011:

I can see you had a lot of fun making this lens. I enjoyed reading it too and those colorful turkey images dress it up nicely. Congrats on the LOTD

Serj on November 14, 2011:

This looks like a lot of fun! Nice job on making a great lens! Gratz on LOTD!

Patricia on November 14, 2011:

Wonderful lens! Congrats on LOTD!

dawnemmie on November 14, 2011:

Looks fun! Nice crafts by the way, i feel like making one of those turkeys with my nephew just for the fun of it even if we don't celebrate Thanksgiving day in my country.

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Thumbs uppppppppppppppp!

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful...Smile=== www.coach2011online.com ===

Vicki from USA on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD! You have a great lens on Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts. I love the sock turkey and the turkey treat jar! I noticed you live in Nebraska. My earliest memories of crafts were in Omaha when I was about 4 years old. I was always making something, mostly a mess for Mom to clean up! Happy Thanksgiving, Loraine! :-)

SydneyH LM on November 14, 2011:

Lots of fun ideas! The leaves are my favorite.

mercin12 on November 14, 2011:

Great presentation of some wonderful crafts. Thanks!

LasgalenArts on November 14, 2011:

I can see why it was blessed by so many angels. Well done and many great ideas you've shared. Thank you.

fugeecat lm on November 14, 2011:

i really like the leaves those are pretty cool and they look easy to make.

Joan Haines on November 14, 2011:

Fun stuff. Thank you!

Rakhi_Dalal on November 14, 2011:

This is such a cute lens :) Loved it !

niceman91 lm on November 14, 2011:

I love watching this lens.keep it up.nice job! :)

DesignedbyLisa LM on November 14, 2011:

Nice ideas - I hope to use one or more of these with my girl scout troop

Lee Hansen from Vermont on November 14, 2011:

My favorites are the leaves made with paper bags and the cornucopia with paper scraps. Congrats on LOTD and have a bountiful Thanksgiving!

lasertek lm on November 14, 2011:

I like the turkey crafts especially the CD turkey and standing turkey.

seedplanter on November 14, 2011:

P.S. Forgot to congratulate you on your LOTD, too! Way to go!

seedplanter on November 14, 2011:

A glittery CD turkey - wow! Great idea to use with the grandkids. Thanks for a fabulous holiday lens!

glowchick on November 14, 2011:

Great projects love them! Congrats on being chosen LOTD :)

Ann Scaling Tucker from Enid, OK on November 14, 2011:

You have a neat lens here. Thought I'd add a few neat sites for Thanksgiving decor. http://theholidayspot.com/thanksgiving/decorations...

mrducksmrnot on November 14, 2011:

Outstanding lens you Turkey. Very well done and I'm going to pass this on to a lot of home schooling folks I know. If you had a poll on here of which is the best I would have to pick all of them. Wonderful lens with lots of fun for the whole family. Congratulations on Lens Of The Day and putting Thanksgiving back in the light before Christmas. I'm Thankful for finding this lens and Life itself. God Bless you for a wonderful lens.

Jeanette from Australia on November 14, 2011:

What a great collection! Well done

feetseat on November 14, 2011:

Sorry for spamming,but can people start reading my lens just so i can see what i'm doing wrong and right. Please read it just to get me going in the squidoo community.

Wednesday-Elf from Savannah, Georgia on November 14, 2011:

What a creative group of Thanksgiving-themed arts and crafts for children, whether they are learning in a classroom or needing a fun activity at home. Congrats on LotD.

Mickie Gee on November 14, 2011:

I know three grandkids that would love to make some of your arts and crafts projects for Thanksgiving. In fact, I bet some of the activities would be great for them to do ON Thanksgiving Day.

Close2Art LM on November 14, 2011:

Some very creative ideas for making turkeys, congrats on your LOTD, Blessed..:)rob

JoshK47 on November 14, 2011:

Super cute ideas! I haven't seen so many turkeys in one place since... umm... since I couldn't come up with a great way to finish that joke! Thanks for sharing. Congrats on the LotD and blessed by a SquidAngel!

ideadesigns on November 14, 2011:

I really enjoyed my visit. Cute turkey ideas. Congrats!

FreelancinFran on November 14, 2011:

Love the no sew turkey centerpiece. Even I can do that one lol!

DesignZeal on November 14, 2011:

Cutest turkeys! congratulations on LOTD!

Erin Hardison from Memphis, TN on November 14, 2011:

Great crafts! Congrats on LOTD!

Delia on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD! nicely done lens and great ideas...

Bercton1 on November 14, 2011:

Very creative lens. Congratulations!

SiochainGraSonas on November 14, 2011:

I am happy that I found this. Great ideas!

Rhidawn on November 14, 2011:

Great lens. I love the cd turkey! Very creative!

lilymom24 on November 14, 2011:

Very nice projects for the little ones. Congratulations on your purple star and on getting LOTD! =)

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Get all the parts for this craft for FREE!!!All you have to do is sign up here!www.rewards1.com/r_frwmpzzThen read the instructions on how!No spam!No hassle!All FREE!

Ann Hinds from So Cal on November 14, 2011:

What a fun assortment of Thanksgiving decorations to create. We will have to try some of them. Congrats on LOTD.

Paula7928 on November 14, 2011:

Great lens. I'll have to try some of your ideas.

Sheila from Omaha, NE on November 14, 2011:

Your Lens Of The Day caught my eye, what a pretty, bright turkey! Once I was here I loved the variety of easy, inexpensive Thanksgiving craft ideas! Now I just have to decide... do you have a lens for that? Ha ha... Blessed today by a fellow eastern Nebraska Squid Angel! Congrats again!

creativeinc lm on November 14, 2011:

Great lens! Love the Turkey art on paper..

TamPeterson on November 14, 2011:

Why'd you have to make the turkeys so cute? How do I eat them now? :)

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on November 14, 2011:

Stopping back by to congratulate you on LotD! Very nicely done. :-)

Heather Burns from Wexford, Ireland on November 14, 2011:

still awesome! congrats on LOTD!

Candace Bacon from Mad Laboratories on November 14, 2011:

I love the turkey made out of the CD. I have tons of CDs sitting around. Maybe I should make a flock of turkeys for Thanksgiving. Thanks for the great ideas!

SquidooMBA on November 14, 2011:

Congrats on the much deserved Purple Star and on being Lens of the Day! Well done and keep up the great work...

KimGiancaterino on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD!

AskPat on November 14, 2011:

A lot of great ideas. Thanks for sharing. Congrats on LOTD!

Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on November 14, 2011:

Great ideas here to keep EVERYONE in turkeys!

purpleslug on November 14, 2011:

Congrat on LOTD! Thank you for the great lens!

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

These are very cool! I will have to try some of these with my friends and family this year =D

agoofyidea on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD! These are some cute craft ideas. Great lens.

Fiona from South Africa on November 14, 2011:

Really nice lens - the crafts are easy to do - blessed

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Well I have bookmarked your blog and will have to go back and have a good look, congratulations for getting lens of the day. I just love crafts

Julia Morais on November 14, 2011:

Great lens. Got a lot of ideas for recycling stuff I was planning to throw away.

Lisa-Marie-Mary on November 14, 2011:

I absolutely love the way you've set up this lens - great job!! And I love turkey crafts - you've shared some really cute ones! I think the baby food jar one is my favorite!

Jules Corriere from Jonesborough TN on November 14, 2011:

LOVE the Pilgrim Puzzle Piece wreath. All of these are great ideas. Congratulations on a well deserved lens of the Day!

SapphireAndMore on November 14, 2011:

Wow! I love all these Thanksgiving ideas! Congrats on the LOTD!

Ellen Gregory from Connecticut, USA on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LOTD! You deserve it. This lens is great.

rockycha on November 14, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD! Fabulous lenscrafting! Cudos :)

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LotD!

kjbranch77 on November 14, 2011:

Congrats on LOTD!

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Get all the parts for this craft for FREE!!!All you have to do is sign up here!www.rewards1.com/r_frwmpzzThen read the instructions on how!No spam!No hassle!All FREE!

Robin S from USA on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations, this lens was chosen LotD today and is being featured at Squidoo HQ. Take a look: http://hq.squidoo.com/lotd/thanksgiving-arts-and-c...

MintySea on November 14, 2011:

thanks

Frugal Bride on November 14, 2011:

Awesome lens! Love the cute little turkey decorations. Congrats on Lens of the Day! You earned it!

anonymous on November 14, 2011:

Congratulations on LotD. This is so cute, and presented vet nice. Blessed!Happy Thanksgiving!

jeremyh1 on November 14, 2011:

Great job Great lens.

aussieremovals on November 14, 2011:

Nice! Great work thanks for sharing this lens.

Linda F Correa from Spring Hill Florida on November 14, 2011:

great lens with great ideas

Badgermedicinespirit on November 14, 2011:

Hi there, I love thanksgiving, even if it is not a european feast day, I like the festive atmosphere, happy thanksgivign to all my american friends

MyDestination on November 14, 2011:

Nice lens!

MyDestination on November 14, 2011:

Nice lens!

anonymous on November 13, 2011:

very complete, education and easy to read :)

Itaya Lightbourne from Topeka, KS on November 13, 2011:

Congrats on this wonderful article making it to Lens of the Day and getting the coveted Purple Star! Way to go!! :)