Make a hand turkey with your kids for a classic Thanksgiving craft using our free printable template for drawing and writing.
Hello, I’m Keri. Over at my blog Backyard Summer Camp, you’ll find tons of kids activities, including some classics you may have done when you were a kid. This hand turkey craft is a fun and nostalgic Thanksgiving activity to do with your kids.
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There’s something about making a turkey out of your handprint that’s just so iconic. My kids did it when they were little and so did I. I’m not sure, but maybe in my own parents were drawing them back in the day too!
The great thing about a hand turkey is that it’s a fun, open-ended activity that anyone can do. Kids of all ages will have fun making it. And for the ones who think they’re not good at drawing, this is the perfect place to start.
All hand turkeys kind of look the same – but they also are all really different. We’ve included some fun ideas below for other craft supplies to add to your project for even more creativity.
Be sure to hop over and see how to make a handprint keychain with your kids next!
The humble hand turkey craft is a beloved tradition for many families at Thanksgiving. But for those new to this timeless project, you may be wondering—what exactly does a hand turkey look like?
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk through everything you need to know about hand turkeys. You’ll learn about their history the basic construction, tips for customizing, and why these whimsical crafts hold such nostalgic significance for parents and kids alike.
A Brief History of the Hand Turkey
While the precise origins are unclear, hand turkeys are thought to date back to medieval times. The basic concept involves using a tracing of a child’s hand to create a colorful turkey through simple embellishments.
Despite its ancient roots, hand turkeys remain a popular Thanksgiving tradition today. The craft offers a fun way for kids to tap into creativity and make a cherished keepsake for parents. The enduring popularity stems from its playful nature and associations with childhood, family, and Thanksgiving.
What Are the Key Features of a Hand Turkey?
The foundation of a classic hand turkey starts with a tracing or print of a child’s hand:
- Tracing of a child’s hand with fingers spread wide
- Thumb forming the turkey’s head
- Large oval eye, triangle beak, ruffled feathers
- Wings, snood, wattle for extra detail
- Vibrant, creative feathers in rainbow colors
- Legs and feet extending from the wrist
- Fun accessories like a hat, bowtie or glasses
While the basics stay the same, each hand turkey has its own artistic touches making it completely one-of-a-kind. The variations are what make them so special.
Step-By-Step Instructions for Crafting a Hand Turkey
Ready to make your own hand turkey? Here are the simple steps
Materials Needed:
- White paper or construction paper
- Washable markers, crayons, or paint
- Glue (optional)
- Googly eyes, feathers, glitter, pom poms (optional)
Directions:
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Trace your child’s hand on paper with fingers spread wide
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Draw a line across the wrist to separate feathers from body.
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Use the thumb as the turkey’s head. Add googly eyes. Draw a beak.
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Add wings, feet, and toes emerging from the turkey’s body.
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Decorate the feathers creatively with markers, glitter, patterns.
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Add fun accessories like a hat, bowtie, scarf or glasses.
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Display your hand turkey masterpiece proudly!
With just a few simple steps, you can create an adorable and unique hand turkey craft. Let the kids take the creative lead on making each turkey their own.
The Significance of the Hand Turkey Tradition
Beyond just being a fun project, the hand turkey holds deeper meaning for many families:
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It celebrates childlike creativity and artistic expression.
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The unique details preserve precious childhood moments.
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As a Thanksgiving tradition, it bonds families.
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Hand turkeys foster gratitude and remind us to be thankful.
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They evoke nostalgia for adults remembering their own childhood crafts.
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Time spent creating hand turkeys allows for joyful family interactions.
For all these reasons, the hand turkey represents cherished memories, family traditions, and the joys of childhood.
Displaying Your Hand Turkey with Pride
Once complete, hand turkeys can be proudly put on display in many ways:
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Frame the turkey and hang it on the wall
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Use it as a Thanksgiving placemat or napkin ring
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Create a festive hand turkey garland or decorate your space with them
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Incorporate turkeys into bulletin boards or table centerpieces
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Save your child’s hand turkey in a memory box to treasure
However you choose to showcase it, a hand turkey becomes a representation of your child’s creativity to admire.
Bringing Back This Timeless Tradition
Even simple crafts like the hand turkey create magical memories. If this project isn’t already part of your family’s traditions, consider adding it to the fun this year! Let a new generation of kids discover the creativity and nostalgia of making their own unique hand turkey.
The beloved hand turkey may seem humble, but its significance is far-reaching. For parents and kids alike, this endearing craft represents the chance to create lasting family memories and celebrate the cherished joys of childhood.
Cut out construction paper feathers.
Cut out feathers from colored construction paper and glue them to the turkey. A feather is kind of like a leaf – a long oval with a point at one end. Trim the edges to create a fringe texture.
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How to draw a turkey with your hand | Simple Drawings
FAQ
What is a hand turkey?
For the uninitiated, hand turkeys are made by tracing an outline of your hand or painting and stamping it, then transforming the fingers into fanned feathers and adding an eye, beak, and gobble to the thumb, often in autumnal hues.
What does a female turkey look like?
- Head: Blue-gray in color, with feathers that may extend up the back of the head
- Body: Brown in color, with a coppery sheen on the tail and rump
- Wings: White barring when open
- Breast feathers: Brown-tipped
- Scat: Cone-shaped
How to make the best hand turkey?
- 1 Paint hand and stamp onto cardstock.
- 2 Repeat step 1 with different paint colors, overlapping handprints to create feathers. …
- 3 Sketch and cut out construction paper circle for turkey body. …
- 4 Cut out photo of child’s face. …
- 5 Draw details and write a Thanksgiving message with markers.
What does a bad Turkey look like?
Fresh turkey usually looks light pink, off-white, or light orange. Bad turkey, on the other hand, may look like a duller shade of fresh turkey. Bad turkey may also be discolored; colors like grey, black, green, and brown are seen when a piece of turkey goes bad. Turkey meat does not last forever. How do you know if Turkey is bad?
What are the different types of hand turkeys?
Some of the most common variations include: * Different shapes: Hand turkeys can be made in a variety of shapes, including the traditional upright turkey, as well as more creative shapes such as a flying turkey or a turkey head. * Different colors: Hand turkeys can be made in any color, but the most common colors are brown, red, and yellow.
What does a wild turkey look like?
The birds, which usually travel in flocks, are often seen in wooded areas next to farm fields and pastures. General description: The wild turkey is a big black or gray bird with a round body and tiny head. Males, called gobblers, have a tail that, when spread, looks like a large fan. Length: About 3 feet, with a 4-foot wingspan.
What does fresh ground turkey look like?
Fresh ground turkey does not look like other types of ground meat – it is normally almost white in color, with a slightly pink tinge. This pinkness will fade as the meat ages, and older ground turkey may have a slightly gray appearance. Ground turkey should appear moist, with a slightly glistening appearance.
Why do people make hand turkeys for Thanksgiving?
Hand turkeys often join the list of Thanksgiving crafts families make each year. The tradition bonds families. Hand turkeys remind us to be thankful for creativity, family, and the blessings in our lives – all central themes of Thanksgiving. For many adults, hand turkeys bring back fond memories of their own childhood Thanksgiving crafts.
How do you know if Turkey is bad?
Well, here’s how to know if turkey is bad! When both cooked turkey and fresh turkey go bad they start to smell sour, and may develop a slimy texture, or grow mold. If you notice any of these signs of spoilage, you should throw it out to avoid making someone sick. No amount of cooking or reheating can make it safe again.