Thanksgiving Crafts

I am craft-challenged. I am too impatient. I don't wait long enough for paint to dry and it smudges. I get avoid slow techniques to make stripes straight, then feel frustrated when mine are crooked. And when a project is over, I am embarrassed by my elementary-shcool skills and throw the result away. When I went to MOPS (a group for moms of preschoolers and younger),  I would tactfully avoid the craft activity if I could. Though I personally stink at completing crafts, I wholeheartedly endorse the idea of finding crafts to do with your children, especially in the cold months.

Kids like crafts. They are a fun way to learn new skills, spend time together, be creative, and make gifts for grandparents who have everything. Thankfully, I am mothering in the Internet age, where people who have crafting gifts share their great ideas and supply lists in abundance. Out of habit, I hold onto every Joann's or Michael's coupon that comes in the newspaper so that if I need a supply, I can find it at a good price.

Thanksgiving craft time....

One Thanksgiving, when none of our family could be with us, we sat around with friends after the big dinner and the girls did crafts. It was relaxing and fun, especially since the ladies I was with had crafting skills and supplies I did not know existed. I am glad my girls can be around ladies with different loves and skills than mine.

Here are some of my favorite Thanksgiving crafts from other who are talented in crafts:

Thankful Turkey. The instructions for this cute guy are from Enchanted Learning and come complete with a template, in case you can't make perfect circles either. Love the idea of doing this craft for several years in a row to chronicle thankfulness.

Thanksgiving tree. My absolute favorite tradition. The image on the left is from Better Homes and Garden but you can make this craft without any formal instructions. You need a branch with multiple shoots, a vase or sometime to make the branch stand up right. Then you need paper leaves. You can free hand these or use a leaf template like this one from Enchanted Learner. Whole punch the leaves and tie a small loop with yarn or thread for hanging. (You can use paper leaves to make beautiful garland too). Have people who visit you for Thanksgiving take some leaves and write things they are thankful for on them. Then decorate your tree. Names are optional.

These adorable coasters are probably better for the older girls, nine and up. They are pretty and could be used all fall. The picture and the directions are all from Family Fun.

This wreath project from Martha Stewart is for mom, but kids can help pick the leaves and treat them with glycerin. This is a gorgeous decoration for your front door and there is even an instructional video for those of us who feel like swooning when we read about crafts with unknown techniques!