I am a notoriously bad crafter. So bad, in fact, that when my daughter asked me to make her a homemade Halloween costume last month my husband laughed so hard that soda came out of his nose. I love the idea of creating a gorgeous Thanksgiving table loaded with homemade decorations, but the reality is that my creations turn out looking more like abstract art than the Pottery Barn look I'm going for.
However, I enjoy the process of crafting and my kids love it, too. That's why I went out on the hunt for some easy Thanksgiving crafts even the least talented among us can create at home.
Thanksgiving table runner for the kids' table
Photo credit: ShopRuche.com
Create a cute, homemade table runner using a length of burlap, linen or muslin, some paint and paintbrushes. It couldn't be easier! The original instructions are for polka dots, but depending on your level of artistic skill you could do small pumpkins or even get crazy and use a shaped sponge. I think it's cute enough for the grown-ups' table, too.
Apple Candles
Photo credit: WikiHow.com
Another way to spruce up your holiday table, these apple candles look super simple to make. Just core out the center of an apple and place a small votive inside. Pile (carefully) in a pretty bowl! You have a sweet, homemade centerpiece.
Turkey Thanksgiving card
Photo credit: Heidi Kenney/MyPaperCrane.com
This sweet craft from My Paper Crane kills two, um, turkeys, with one stone. It can serve as both a holiday card and a cute table decoration. Just trace your child's hand next to your own, and decorate using markers. It would be cute to add what your family members are thankful for on the "feathers" here. If you're missing family members who are celebrating in other states, make it earlier in the month and pop it in the mail for a lovely holiday missive.
Gumdrop turkey
Photo credit: Shari/SpearmintBaby.com
Who doesn't love an edible craft? This is so easy a baby could do it. Well, maybe not a baby, but you get the idea. The best part of this craft from Spearmint Baby is that there is no glue involved at all. Just get some marshmallows, gumdrops, gummy worms and some toothpicks and get to work. Later, after the dishes are done, eat these in secret so your kids don't see you doing it.
Gratitude turkey
Photo credit: Adam/PinkyMagic.com
The true spirit of Thanksgiving isn't about perfect crafts or even perfect mashed potatoes, it's about expressing gratitude for the people and things that make us happy, safe and comfortable. Get the kids in on the act and make a turkey out of a paper plate, a toilet paper roll and some construction paper. On each feather, have your kids write something for which they are grateful. This one is a keeper, so stash it away in the basement or attic so you can show them how they much they loved their Xbox — and their siblings.
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