Turkey Hand Print Placemat

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family, enjoy a delicious meal, and create lasting memories. A Turkey Hand Print Placemat is an easy and festive craft for children. This project doubles as an engaging activity and a charming decoration for the Thanksgiving table.

Why Make a Turkey Hand Print Placemat?

This DIY placemat is not only a creative outlet for kids but also a personalized keepsake. It allows children to celebrate the holiday while honing fine motor skills, exploring textures, and expressing creativity. Plus, it’s an adorable way to preserve their tiny handprints for years to come.

Materials Needed for Turkey Hand Print Placemat

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Large sheets of construction paper or cardstock
Paints (brown, red, yellow, and orange)
Glue or glue stick
Leaf-shaped cutouts (use a cookie cutter or trace real leaves)
Glitter
Markers or crayons for decorating
Laminator (or contact paper as a budget-friendly option)

How to Make a Turkey Hand Print Placemat

Thanksgiving Handprint Placemat kids can make

1. Prepare the Base

Start with a large piece of paper to serve as the placemat. You can use seasonal colors like orange, brown, or red for added festivity.

2. Add Leaf Decorations

Cut out leaf shapes from colorful paper or trace them using a cookie cutter. A Cricut would be a great tool for this project! Arrange and glue the leaves around the border of the placemat.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a die-cutting machine, trace real leaves or use printable templates for uniform shapes.

3. Create the Handprint Turkey

Paint your child’s hand with brown paint for the turkey’s body and press it firmly onto the center of the paper.
Use other colors to paint feathers around the turkey. Add details like eyes, a beak, and a wattle using markers or paint.

4. Decorate the Leaves

Let kids add glitter, stickers, or drawings to the leaves for a unique touch. This step enhances the placemat’s vibrancy and gives children a chance to personalize their craft.

Laminating Tips for Your Turkey Hand Print Placemat

Why Laminate?

Laminating your placemat makes it durable and easy to clean. It also helps preserve the glitter and artwork, ensuring your creation lasts for years.

Budget-Friendly Laminating Options

Local teacher supply stores often provide affordable laminating services. For reference, laminating eight placemats cost around $25 at our local store.
Contact paper is another option for a DIY approach, though it might not provide as smooth a finish, especially with glitter.

Note: Always get a laminating quote beforehand. Large laminations can add up, as we learned from a fellow teacher who was surprised with a $100 bill at Staples!

Scotch TL901X Thermal Laminator, 1 Laminating Machine, Gray, Laminate Recipe Cards, Photos and Documents, For Home, Office or School Supplies, 9 in.

Write on it with pen, pencil or marker; Photo safe; 3/4 in. x 650 in., 1 in. core, 6 dispensers per pack

$55.20

Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fun Variations to Try

Add a Thanksgiving Poem

Write a short Thanksgiving-themed poem or gratitude message on the placemat. This adds a personal and heartwarming touch to the craft.

Use Photos

Incorporate a small photo of your child on the placemat for an extra special keepsake.

Explore Different Themes

Instead of a turkey, try a seasonal pumpkin or cornucopia design for variety.

Display and Use Ideas

Use the placemats to decorate the kids’ table during Thanksgiving dinner.
Gift them to grandparents or other family members as a thoughtful holiday keepsake.
Let kids use their placemats year-round to remember their Thanksgiving craft.

Creating a Turkey Hand Print Placemat is a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate Thanksgiving with your little ones. It’s more than just a craft—it’s a memory-making activity that brings joy to both children and adults. Gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let the holiday creativity begin!