Making a Thankgiving Centerpiece

Recommended Age Group: 18 Months +

Materials Required:

• Scissors
• Construction Paper
• Large Pinecone
• Glue
• A Brown Pipe Cleaner
  

Instructions:
Thanksgiving is around the corner, so help your child make her very own Turkey centerpiece for the table or serving area. This simple craft is great for toddlers as well as older children.

To create a turkey centerpiece, first knock any loose dirt or scales from the pinecone. If possible find a pinecone that is not especially prickly, but be sure to help your young child avoid any poked fingers when handling it. When you’re sure the pinecone is clean and ready, put it aside.

Use the scissors to cut out feathers from the construction paper. Use orange and brown with perhaps a bit of red to make your turkey look realistic and in the spirit of the holiday. The feathers can be any size, but should be roughly the shape of an ear of corn. (See Figure 1) Cut out six to eight feathers total.

Put a dollop of glue on the ends of each feather. Then insert the feather into the base of the pine cone. Secure the feather while it dries, and then add another. Arrange the feathers in a fan pattern alternating colors. If you need additional feathers to ensure the tail is full, don’t be afraid to cut out a few extra.

While the glue is drying completely, bend the pipe cleaner into the shape of a turkey head. (See Figure 2) Glue both ends to the front of the pinecone securing your turkey’s head..

When the glue is dry, your child will have her very own turkey centerpiece. The centerpiece looks especially nice laid on a bed of green pine needles or in a cluster with other turkey centerpieces. Considering making multiple turkeys to use as place card holders or to give as gifts to relatives.