Thanksgiving crafts are something my kids look forward to every year. Spending time crafting together is a fun way to get everyone into the Thanksgiving spirit.
This year, we made a handprint turkey pumpkin keepsake. It was easy to do, and now I have a lovely pumpkin decoration to display every year at Thanksgiving time.
I know I’ll love to remember how we painted their hands to make a turkey print. The kids will have fun seeing how much bigger their hand gets year after year.
I have four boys, so I got a white craft pumpkin that was just the right size to fit all four of their handprints going all the way around.
We used a variety of different metallic acrylic craft paints to create a colorful turkey handprint. I like how the metallic colors dry to a shimmery finish on the pumpkin.
For easier clean-up after our messy paint activity: I covered our table’s work surface with a plastic tablecloth and provided wipes so the kids could wipe the paint off their hands. I also used paper plates as a paint palette and to hold any paint-covered foam brushes.
Thanksgiving Crafts: Handprint Turkey Pumpkin Keepsake Tutorial
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Craft Pumpkin
- Acrylic Paints
- Foam Brushes
Directions:
1. Use a foam brush to apply paint to the palm of a hand and fingers (see directions and photo below.) Use a different foam brush for each color.
How to make a turkey handprint: We used acrylic craft paints in a variety of colors to paint each child’s hand. The turkey’s body (hand palm) is brown, and each of the “feathers” (fingers) are painted different colors of red, gold, and copper tones.
2. Carefully press the painted hand to the desired spot on the pumpkin. Lift the hand away from the pumpkin, being careful not to smear the paint. Allow the painted pumpkin to dry completely.
Once you are finished putting handprints on the pumpkin, use wipes to wipe paint off of the hand and fingers. Easy as pumpkin pie!
For more fun ideas to do with your family, check out our deliciously gooey S’mores Cones, Star Wars caramel popcorn, and a fondue party.
Thanksgiving Crafts For Kids Handprint Turkey Pumpkin
How to use painted handprints to make a Thanksgiving Turkey Pumpkin keepsake. Display on your Thanksgiving table every year.
Materials
- Craft Pumpkin
- Acrylic Paints
- Foam Brushes
Instructions
1. Use a foam brush to apply paint to the palm of a hand and fingers (see directions and photo below.) Use a different foam brush for each color.
How to make a turkey handprint: We used acrylic craft paints in a variety of colors to paint each child's hand. The turkey's body (hand palm) is brown, and each of the "feathers" (fingers) are painted different colors of red, gold, and copper tones.
2. Carefully press the painted hand to the desired spot on the pumpkin. Lift the hand away from the pumpkin, being careful not to smear the paint.
Allow the painted pumpkin to dry completely.
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Bates- Foam Paint Brushes, 16 Pack, 2 Inch, Sponge Brushes, Sponge Paint Brush, Foam Brushes, Foam Brushes for Painting, Foam Brushes for Staining, Paint Sponges, Foam Sponge Brush
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7.8 inch White Artificial Realistic Pumpkin,Fake Fall Harvest Decorative Pumpkin for Halloween,Thanksgiving Party Decor and DIY Crafts
What do you think about this Thanksgiving crafts idea? Have you ever made handprint keepsake crafts with your kids?
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
It looks like the boys really enjoyed making these. You will treasure these when they are grown. #HomeMattersParty
sahana says
Kids will have a blast doing this project. Looks fun. #HomeMattersParty
Emily @DomesticDeadline.com says
What a fun project! Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Crystal Green says
I like this craft. I like how simple and colorful it is to do with the kids.
sahana says
What a fun craft to do with kids. Looks cute 🙂 #HomeMattersParty
Marisa says
This is a great idea to do with the kids !!! Such a cute Keepsake! I love it!!!!
Pam says
Aw, that looks so fun! It turned out very cute. (Also, I love wipes and always have a few packs at home and one in the car!) #HomeMattersParty
Nicole says
It’s funny how we continue to use wipes, even though no one is in diapers anymore. We will never outgrow our wipes. They are too useful! 🙂
Jamie says
That is adorable!! What a great thing to decorate with for the holidays! #HomeMattersParty
Nicole says
These are fun to make with kids. Thank you for the compliments!