Thanksgiving is just around the corner, so turkeys are in the spotlight once again! This Turkey Clothespin Craft is a simple, hands-on project perfect for celebrating the holiday season. With just cardstock, clothespins, paint, and a few decorations, kids can create their very own turkeys to share at the table or give as gifts to family members.

There’s something about Thanksgiving crafts that makes the holiday feel extra special! This turkey clothespin craft will surely make you and your kids proud of how it turns out. From painting the clothespins to carefully gluing on the wattle and feathers, each step helps everyone create a little character of their own!

What I love most is choosing the feather colors and deciding which order to place them in! Each turkey looks a little different, and that makes it fun. Doing this with your kids isn’t just a craft—it becomes part of the celebration! It’s a vibrant and artistic way to celebrate the season!

Supplies Needed

• Turkey Clothespin PDF Template
• Cardstock (Autumn colors)
• Brown Paint
• Paintbrush
• Clothespins
• Glue
• Scissors
• Googly Eyes

How to Make

1. Save and print the template onto heavy cardstock and cut it out.

2. Paint the clothespins brown. Let them dry completely.

3. Invite your children to trace the feather template onto colored cardstock. Let your kids cut the feathers out with safety scissors. This is a great craft for teaching them fine motor skills. Set the feathers to the side.

4. Trace the wattle onto red cardstock and the beak onto orange cardstock, and cut out. Set aside, then start gluing the wattle onto the turkey, followed by the beak, and then the googly eyes!

5. Glue the feathers onto the back of the turkey and make sure to alternate colors for a vibrant look!

Helpful Tips

When painting the clothespins, use light coats and let them dry thoroughly before handling to avoid smudges. You can also clip them to a piece of cardboard while they dry so they don’t tip over and stick to your workspace!

Some Turkey-Thanksgiving History

Have you ever wondered why we always see turkeys at Thanksgiving? Well, turkeys are special because they’ve been part of America’s history for a long time! Turkeys are native to North America, which means they’ve been here long before grocery stores, farms, or even the very first Thanksgiving.

Back then, families needed a meal big enough to share with everyone gathered around the table. Turkeys were the perfect choice because they’re large, easy to find, and could feed many people. Over the years, turkeys became a tradition at Thanksgiving, symbolizing family, togetherness, and the big feast we all look forward to. That’s why when we think of Thanksgiving today, the turkey is always at the center of the celebration!

Why Kids Love This Project

• They get to pick their favorite autumn colors and design their turkey’s feathers.
• Adding googly eyes, a wattle, and a beak makes each turkey look funny and unique.
• Painting the clothespins gives them a hands-on activity that feels creative and fun.
• It’s quick to make, so they can see their turkey come to life right away.
• The finished turkey can be used as a decoration, a toy, or even a cute gift for the family.

More Thanksgiving Crafts

Don’t want to stop the Thanksgiving fun? Check out the following:

• Turkey Juice Box Craft for Thanksgiving
• Turkey Pinecone Craft
• Fun Thanksgiving Crafts to Do with Your Kids
• Fun Thanksgiving Craft Kits for Kids