Thankful Crafting: Easy Thanksgiving Crafts

The holiday season can be a busy one! That’s why we love holiday crafting—it offers the chance to slow down and pour a bit of love into making gifts and decorations that will add an extra bit of appreciation and gratitude to your Thanksgiving holiday. We especially love easy Thanksgiving crafts that add a special touch to gatherings while still leaving you with enough time to enjoy your loved ones. Because Thanksgiving crafts double as some of the best fall craft ideas around, adding a little fall art to your table and decor is an easy way to get everyone in the spirit of the season.

Easy and Simple Thanksgiving Craft Ideas

These Thanksgiving craft crafts and fall craft ideas are a simple way to make your meal special, decor stand out, and guests feel welcome and loved. Plus, they give you a minute to relax, breathe, de-stress, and remember all the things you’re thankful for.

Thanksgiving Garland Ideas

If you’ve been searching for fall garland craft ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Thanksgiving garlands qualify as quick Thanksgiving crafts for adults, and these harvest-themed paper crafts can be used as Thanksgiving decorations and throughout the fall season.

A garland is one of the easiest ways to add a handmade touch to your holiday. Hang one on a fireplace mantel or over a doorway, or lay it down the center of a long dining table. Choose refined, subtle colors that blend with any decor style, or lean into classic fall hues for a more traditional look. Either way, a garland is one of the simplest Thanksgiving decorations to make.

Crafting Thanksgiving Place Cards

A table set with Thanksgiving place cards automatically feels cozy and welcoming. Nothing says, “I’m so happy you’re here,” like a little handcrafted touch on a thoughtful table setting. Your guests will love the thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

One idea for a place card is to incorporate decorative accessories. You can attach the card to a gourd (fresh or fake), pinecone, wood round, leaves, or other seasonal elements. This not only highlights the card but adds to the tablescape as well.

You can also make Thanksgiving place cards using a simple folded piece of cardstock or patterned paper decorated with embellishments and your guest’s name for that personal touch. Whichever direction you choose, your table will look amazing with your place cards set up.

Handmade Thanksgiving Decorations

There are fewer decorations available for Thanksgiving than for other holidays, making it a great opportunity to make your own handmade Thanksgiving decorations. Adding some festive decor to your home dials up the ambiance and makes the day feel extra special. These handmade decorations pull double duty as fall art you can put up well before Thanksgiving Day.

An easy way to make Thanksgiving decorations is to attach paper crafts to seasonal elements like pumpkins or dried corn on the cob. This can be as simple as choosing the right paper for your project, punching out a circle, adding an initial, and tying it with a ribbon.

Another easy, yet high-impact Thanksgiving decor idea is a banner or garland. You can use the garland to express a sentiment like “grateful,” “thankful,” or “give thanks.” Or you can simply decorate each pennant with patterned paper and other seasonal decorative elements. Hang your banner on a mantel, a wall, a bookshelf, or anywhere you want to add a little festive flair.

DIY Thanksgiving Cards

There are plenty of reasons to make DIY cards for Thanksgiving. You can use them as invitations to invite guests to Thanksgiving dinner, as a thank you to the person who hosted you for dinner, or to express your love and gratitude to family and friends during the season of thankfulness. Card-making is also one of the easiest art activities for Thanksgiving if you want a low-mess project the whole family can join in on.

Thanksgiving Table Settings

In addition to the Thanksgiving place cards we mentioned earlier, you can also create a table-setting craft, as we did with this silverware pouch. A few die cut leaves, some embellishments, and a stamped sentiment came together to create this look. You can easily create your own version, and if you want it to pull double duty, you can even add your guest’s name to add a personalized touch.

Consider giving Thanksgiving table settings at the “kid’s table” a fun twist by tucking some crayons into the silverware pouch instead of boring forks and spoons and covering the table in brown or white craft paper so the kids can color right on the table while they tuck into their turkey. 

Thanksgiving Tags

Want to make sure your hostess knows how much you appreciate all the hard work that goes into putting together a Thanksgiving gathering? Wrap up a hostess gift and add a handmade gift tag that expresses your gratitude. These tags are a great addition to any thank-you gift.

Turkey Crafts to Gobble Up the Spotlight

No Thanksgiving craft roundup is complete without a turkey or two. Turkey crafts are some of the most popular Thanksgiving crafts every year, and they’re an easy way to bring a little whimsy to your tablescape. Try turning a pinecone or paper cone into a turkey body, then add die-cut feathers in warm fall colors for the tail. These turkey crafts double as festive fall art that kids and adults alike will enjoy making together.

Handprint Turkeys & Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Crafts

If you’re looking for art activities for Thanksgiving that the youngest guests at your table can join in on, a handprint turkey is a classic for a reason. Trace little hands onto colorful cardstock, then let kids add googly eyes, a beak, and a wattle to bring their turkey to life. These handprint turkey crafts make sweet keepsakes for grandparents, and they’re simple enough to set up at the kids’ table while the adults finish cooking. It’s a wonderful way to turn Thanksgiving into a memory-making craft day for the whole family.

FAQs About Easy Thanksgiving Crafts

If getting started in the world of paper crafting seems intimidating, easy Thanksgiving crafts are a great start! If you still have questions about where to begin, these FAQs will help point you in the right direction.

What are some easy Thanksgiving crafts for beginners?

When you’re just starting out making DIY paper crafts, we recommend beginning with a kit. Kits like our Autumn Fields Scrapbooking Workshop Kit come with everything you need to make a project. New crafters can follow the instructions in these Thanksgiving DIY kits and end up with a picture-perfect craft. Experienced crafters can use the kit as a jumping-off point and add their own creative spin.

What supplies do I need for Thanksgiving crafts?

There are a few basic supplies everyone should have on hand, whether you’re making easy Thanksgiving crafts or creating something any other time of the year. Here are a few of the basics we recommend.

• Paper Trimmer and Cutting Blades: You’ll never regret investing in a quality paper trimmer, and you’re apt to find a use for it on nearly every craft project you make.
• Multipurpose Liquid Glue: The magic in this multipurpose liquid glue lies in its dual applicator tips. One side has a precision applicator tip that can be used for small embellishments and other precise work. The other side has a broad applicator to use on large areas.
• Adhesive Tape: Sometimes you need a bond, and you need it quick. That’s where Stampin’ Seal roll-on adhesive tape comes in. It’s easy to use, bonds instantly, and holds securely. Best of all, there’s no waiting for dry time. Just roll, stick, and you’re good to go.
• Patterned Paper: A good variety of patterned paper is essential to add dimension and flair to any project. You can choose a seasonal variety, or some you can use all year.
• Cardstock: Cardstock is the base of nearly every paper craft, so it’s great to keep on hand. You can stock up on your favorite colors, but we always recommend starting with white cardstock and other basic colors.

What’s the best craft for Thanksgiving table settings?

Place cards are simple Thanksgiving decorations to make for your table. You can opt for traditional place cards, or you can make them do double duty as wraps for your silverware. We also love the idea of making Thanksgiving cards to use as place settings. Not only will they show people where to sit, but you can use them as a way to express gratitude for your guests and let them know you’re glad they came.  Pair place cards with a turkey craft or handprint turkey as a fun kids’-table activity for even more Thanksgiving spirit.

What are some fun art activities for Thanksgiving with kids?

Handprint turkeys, paper plate turkeys, and simple thumbprint leaf art are all wonderful art activities for Thanksgiving that keep kids busy and engaged while the adults prep the meal. They require minimal supplies, and they double as sweet keepsakes everyone will treasure for years to come.

A Personal Touch for Your Thanksgiving Gathering

These easy Thanksgiving crafts add a handcrafted touch to your holiday. Added bonus? You get to spend a little time crafting in the name of “meal prep.” Whether you make these easy Thanksgiving crafts ahead of time or whip them up on the day of the feast, you’ll be thankful you took the time to add an extra personal touch to your gathering. Between turkey crafts, handprint keepsakes, or your favorite fall craft ideas, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the season with a little fall art of your own. And if you’d like to connect with other crafters, order Stampin’ Up! supplies, or become a representative, connect with a demonstrator in your area today.