Hunting for an easy kids Thanksgiving craft? Here’s a fast to prep turkey art project that’s perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. This makes a great final product to hang up at Thanksgiving dinner.
What did I make a sticky turkey project?
I wish I had time for outrageous crafts with my kids, but there is just no way. I’m barely staying above water with three kids four and under. I have lofty goals each day like shower, keep family fed, and go to bed before the next day begins…I don’t see crazy cool crafts in my future.
But then my preschooler asked for a turkey art project and I’m a sucker for that kid. The shower can wait – I have an easy kids Thanksgiving craft to make.
RELATED: Looking for more great Thanksgiving activities to try? This list is fantastic, and so easy!
Supplies
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- Con-tact Paper – I shockingly always have this on hands
- Feathers – I snagged a bag from the dollar store
- Construction paper – to make that cute turkey body
Normally, I’m not one to advocate for a random supply to keep on hand, but if I can make a suggestions: Con-Tact paper. This sticky film is the best. It’s normally for textbook covers or lining a kitchen drawer…but it also has a special place for toddler activities.
How to prep the Sticky Turkey
I started this activity in the best place: my laundry room. That’s where I keep my activity supplies. I wish I had some amazing craft room or even a play room for storage but nope – I’ve got the corner of my laundry room. So I stood there staring at my supplies when I saw it.
I spied one of my favorite activity supplies: Con-tact paper.
I picked up my three supplies and headed for the dining room table.
- Take the Con-tact paper and carefully remove the backing.
- Lay the Con-tact paper sticky side up.
- Tape it down to the table so it doesn’t fold or move on your kiddo.
Create a little turkey for the middle from brown construction paper and plop it down.
Tip: Don’t make a black outline
I really wish I hadn’t made a turkey outline on the Con-tact paper.
My son didn’t need it and all it did was confuse our cutting at the end. Learn from me: don’t make your child an outline. It won’t add anything and it’s not needed.
I wish I could retake these pictures but this adorable babe is now 9 so just learn from my words. Do better than me.
Tip: Don’t miss this direction!
Make sure to give your child this one direction:
Keep the feathers on the bottom half of the Con-tact paper.
WHY? Because at the end we are going fold the top half of the Con-tact paper onto the bottom and seal it all back together.
I lightly drew a line for my son as a reminder of his boundary. This is helpful for the end of the craft.
How you finish the Sticky turkey art project
After your child finishes adding their feathers, you need to “seal up” the turkey.
Remember that half way line you added?
Fold the Con-tact paper back on top of itself to seal up the feathers and secure them. Then cut off the extra Con-tact paper.
Makes a turkey sun-catcher
Hang your Thanksgiving turkey on the window for an awesome sun-catcher.
So maybe I didn’t really have it in me this day for a massive craft explosion, but I was able to give my son what he was looking for with this easy kids Thanksgiving craft. He wanted a turkey activity and he got one; and don’t worry, I got my shower…eventually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Craft stores, Amazon, Target and sometimes even the Dollar Store. Con-tact paper may seem random until you use it, and then you’ll realize how many stores sell it.
Remember think stages not ages. Decide if your child will enjoy this – don’t assume a child will like or do a project based on age. It’s interest level. Would your child be interested in pushing feathers onto sticky paper?
We’ve used it for lots of activities like that taby sticky wall, an outdoor nature hunt, or to make a butterfly sun-catcher (one of my absolute favorite art projects for all kid age groups).
Susie Allison, M. Ed
Owner, Creator
Susie Allison is the creator of Busy Toddler and has more than 2.4 million followers on Instagram. A former teacher and early childhood education advocate, Susie has written two home learning curricula, Playing Preschool and Branches. Her parenting book “Busy Toddler’s Guide to Actual Parenting” is available on Amazon.
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