Photo/Craft Source: Thanks and Giving Trees
After reading responses to some of your all-time favorite Thanksgiving crafts, I ended up on Pinterest in one of those “where in the world did the last 2 hours of my life disappear to” moments.
**Uh huh, don’t act like you don’t know EXACTLY what I’m talking about.**
The fact that I am not really a crafty person is a testament to the power of Pinterest’s approach because while I may not want to DO a craft, I loooooooooove perusing how creatives photographs their crafts. My kids would argue, but I still believe taking the photos is way more fun than the crafts themselves.
That said, I selected a few of my favorite Thanksgiving activities to share here because I believe crafting contributes to the holidays in a way many other things do not.
First, it brings people together for a collective purpose.
Next, it creates memories–both in the doing and giving, but also in the receiving.
And finally, it gives everyone a reason to buy pipe cleaners–we all know they are really and truly awesome, and yet, they just don’t fit into our daily lives enough to figure it into the budget.
Thankful Hearts
Thankful Hearts is a precious Thanksgiving Tutorial and Activity for Kids created by blogger Katie Heap of Live Craft Eat.
In her touching post, Katie writes “Most people will probably associate hearts with Valentine’s Day–not Thanksgiving–but stick with me on this. Valentine’s Day is about love–expressing the love that we have for other people…The way I see it, Thanksgiving is also about love–except it’s about recognizing and acknowledging the love that other people show towards us, whether it be through service, acts of kindness, or tasks that are performed on our behalf and for our benefit. Thanksgiving is all about taking note of these things and then taking the time to thank that person for what they do.”
Katie’s family makes and gives away as many hearts as possible for Thanksgiving. Read about it here.
Thanks Book
Making a Thanks Book is an idea for those who will spend hours traveling in the car, or need to find ways to keep kids engaged, instead of underfoot, while Thanksgiving preparations are in full gear.
The Wee Workshop created a FREE downloadable Thanks Book where “kids are encouraged to write, or draw, or sticker, or collage whatever they’re most thankful for–people, places, things or experiences that start with the letters T – H – A – N – K – S! (The ‘!’ page is for anything else that doesn’t start with the six letters.).”
Mobile of Thanks
Artist and designer, Joel Henriques, blogged about a Mobile of Thanks craft inspired by the trees of thanks seen in many seasonal crafting posts.
This project is simple, accessible and meaningful, which is just what his blog, Made by Joel, is all about.
Recycled Turkey
I smiled when I came across the Recycled Turkey craft from Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish. This “spontaneous–use what is lying around the house–turkey” project brings crafting back to what I remember as a child–less than perfect, and with things I could dig out of my craft drawer or find in my mom’s workroom.
My favorite part are the “feathers” made from torn-out, and rolled-up, magazine pages. I may not make the turkey, but you can bet I’m going to find an excuse to tear up magazines and roll the pages.
Family Memory Banner
Melissa of Polka Dot Chair offers a scrapbooking twist to the traditional banners that adorn mantles throughout the holiday season.
Thankful for the several milestones that happened in her home throughout the year, Melissa created a photo Family Memory Banner as part of a gratitude themed blog hop.
And in case that wasn’t enough…
More? You want more?
Your wish is my command.
1. Gratitude Jar by Somewhat Simple
2. Free Printable Leftover Pie Labels for Thanksgiving by Studio DIY
3. Freezer Paper Turkey by The Alison Show
4. Thanksgiving Hand Stamped Geometric Napkins by A Cozy Kitchen
5. Thanks and Giving Trees by Chocolate on my Cranium
6. Gobble Gobble by design. wash. rinse. repeat
7. Thanksgiving Kiddie Table by Hoosier Homemade
8. Pumpkin Pie Spinner by Parents
9. Wild Turkey by Better Homes and Gardens
It’s time to craft. Let me know if you’ll be doing any of these. And also? Happy Thanksgiving from the Sanders family to yours!
Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.