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Paper Plate Turkey Craft for Kids

This paper plate turkey craft is a great craft idea for Thanksgiving. With just a couple of paper plates, some fall colored paper, a red balloon for the wattle and other simple craft supplies, you can have this turkey put together and ready for Thanksgiving in no time.

Supplies

2 dinner sized paper plates
Brown paint or marker
Orange paint or marker
Construction paper (fall colors)
Red balloon
Paint brush
Glue
Scissors
Black Marker
Wiggle Eyes (optional)

How to Make a Paper Plate Turkey

Step 1

Place both paper plates upside down so the bottom is facing you. Paint this side (the bottoms) of the plates completely brown. Set aside and let these dry.

Step 2

While you are waiting for the plates to dry, take your fall colored construction paper and cut out 9 to 15 feathers. Set these aside for now.

Step 3

Cut out two legs (with feet) with yellow or brown construction paper. Set aside for later.

Step 4

Take one of the paper plates (make sure it's dry) and cut out the inner circle portion. This will be your turkey's head. Save the remaining outer rim for the turkey's arms.

Step 5

Take the outer rim from the plate you just cut and cut this rim in half. Cut this half in half again for the two arms. Set these aside for now.

Step 6

It's time to start putting together your turkey. Glue the large paper plate to the smaller (cutout circle) paper plate. Make sure the smaller section is on top of the larger plate.

Now glue on the arms on each side of the turkey's body. Take the black marker and make several lines to add a feathered look to the arms.

Glue on the legs to the bottom (backside) of the large plate.

Step 7

Arrange your feathers the way you want, alternating colors. Glue the feathers to the back of the paper plate.

Tip: I find it easier to glue the feathers together first before gluing to the back of the plate. This way they stay in the pattern you have laid out.

Step 8

Now it's time to complete the turkey's head. Taking a black marker, make two eyes. If you have wiggle eyes, then glue these on the head.

Cut out an orange triangle beak. Glue this below the eyes. Only glue at the top as you will be gluing the wattle underneath the beak.

Take the red balloon and glue this underneath the beak for the turkey's wattle.

If you really want to get your paper plate turkey in the Thanksgiving spirit, add a pilgrim's hat or bonnet. Just use construction paper to make the hat and glue this to the top of the turkey's head.

In addition to this paper plate turkey, try this hand and foot turkey craft.

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