Little Turkey Craft

I’ve been a little obsessed with Pinterest lately. Some days I manage to waste all kinds of time, but most days it actually inspires creativity.  It’s also inspired a few trips to Michael’s with coupons in hand. J

I was looking for a fun craft to do with my nieces this weekend, so I created this project after seeing several holiday craft posts but not finding exactly what I wanted. I had to do most of the work, but we definitely had fun.

Here are the little Turkeys from left to right: Gabi, Bella, and Lili

Supplies I used:
11x14 Canvas (you can use smaller or bigger depending on the number of handprints)
Craft paints (I get the $.59 acrylics)
1 Large and 1 Small paint brush
Scroll and letter stencils
Small brown Sharpie
Paper plate


Step 1. Collect your materials and choose your paint colors. I used a mustard yellow, vanilla, tan, burnt orange, and espresso.

Step 2. I covered the canvas in vanilla paint using a large angled brush, using horizontal strokes. Then I added some of the tan color in the corners.  With both vertical and horizontal strokes, it gave the canvas an aged look. I added a few of these same strokes in the middle of the canvas. Don't forget to paint the sides!

Step 3. Using a scroll stencil, paint the top corners. (you can trace and then paint, but it seemed more efficient to paint directly over the stencil). I used mostly brown, but added other colors for more texture and variety.

Step 4. If you are right handed, make sure to paint the left side first so you don't run your hand through the wet paint.  

Step 5. Trace or paint over your stencils to write Happy Thanksgiving, or whatever message you choose. It's easiest if you have clear stencils (like my blue one above) so you can see where you are tracing them. If using pencil, write lightly as it doesn't erase. If you make any big mistakes, wait for the paint to dry and paint over it again. Remember that it doesn't have to be perfect, it's partly a kid project!

Step 6. Once the paint is dry, pour some of each color (except the white/vanilla) onto a paper plate. I poured more of the espresso as I wanted it to be the color for the turkey's body. The other colors were placed above for the fingers/feathers.

Step 7. To avoid a mess, it's best to guide your child's hand into the paint and then onto the canvas. We did two canvases for this project, so we re-dipped the hand for the second canvas. We went directly to the sink to wash off before the next Turkey got their turn.

Step 8. Add feet, beaks, eyes and the red gobbler thing that hangs down (anyone got the real name for that?). You can also add each child's name with a skinny brown Sharpie.  As a side note, I'm considering going back to add "From 3 Little Turkeys" under the Happy Thanksgiving message. 

Thanks for joining me on my first craft blog! Let me know if you try this out- I would love to hear how it goes.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!