As autumn leaves start falling and the air turns crisp Thanksgiving draws near. For many, that means busting out tried-and-true family recipes, prepping the home for guests, and decorating for the holiday. When it comes to Thanksgiving decor, turkeys often take center stage. And one of the best ways to add some turkey style is with wood cutouts.
A Bit of Background on Wood Turkey Cutouts
Wood cutouts are flat wooden shapes that can be painted, embellished, and used for crafts, signs, and decorations Turkey cutouts are a popular choice for Thanksgiving Though ready-made wood cutouts have been around for years, the DIY wood cutout trend has really taken flight over the last decade.
Part of the appeal of wood turkey cutouts is that they can be customized. Unfinished plain wood allows crafters to stain, paint, or decorate cutouts however they like. This opens up lots of creative options compared to buying pre-designed decorative pieces. The rustic nature of wood also fits well with many Thanksgiving aesthetic themes.
Wood turkey cutouts are available from many craft retailers and Etsy shops, with painted and raw options to choose from. But dedicated DIY-ers often cut their own shapes using jigsaws, scroll saws, or CNC machines. Basswood, pine, and birch are common woods used to make cutouts.
Size and Shape Options
Turkey cutouts come in all sizes from little 2-3 inch cutouts for ornaments and projects to giant 4 foot tall turkey silhouettes for outdoor displays. Somewhere in the middle, around 8-12 inches, is a common size for tabletop and wall décor.
Shapes include basic turkey outlines, full turkey profiles, and turkey heads. Side-view, front-facing, and full-bodied turkeys are all options. Cutouts may capture a turkey with just an outline or show details like feathers, waddles, and feet. 3D chunky cutout turkeys are also available, which have an extra dimension for more realism.
So whether you just need a simple flat turkey shape for kids to decorate or want a wooden focal piece for the dining table, there’s a cutout for that.
Painting and Embellishing Turkey Cutouts
The fun part about unfinished wood cutouts is customizing them. Acrylic craft paints work well for coating cutouts. They adhere to wood, dry quickly, and come in tons of colors.
For staining, food-safe stains are a good choice. Their safety makes them ideal for items that will be displayed with food, like centerpieces. Staining also allows the wood grain to show through.
Beyond painting and staining, cutouts can be embellished in many ways:
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Glitter, gems, sequins, beads, buttons – Great for adding some shine!
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Feathers, burlap, raffia, twine – For texture
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Washi tape, scrapbook paper – To cover the wood with patterns
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Stencils and stamps – Create designs with paint, ink, glitter, etc.
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Decoupage – Adhere paper cutouts of feathers, words, etc. with sealant
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Wood burning – For monogramming or drawing details like feathers
Let kids go wild decorating simple cutouts with stickers, glitter glue, and puff paint. Or go for an elegant look by layering paint techniques and adornments. Either way, customizing cutouts is a DIY craft that’s fun for all ages.
Ideas and Inspiration for Using Turkey Cutouts
Now for the fun part – deciding how to actually use your turkey cutouts! Here are some creative ways wood turkey shapes can be incorporated into Thanksgiving decor:
Centerpieces
Accent tabletop with a painted cutout turkey propped up in a vase or candle holders. Surround with faux leaves, pumpkins, berries, pinecones, etc. for a quick DIY centerpiece.
Place Cards
Turn cutouts into custom place cards. Insert a wood slice with guests’ names into a slot in the turkey’s body. Or glue cardstock tent shapes onto the turkey decorated with names.
Signs and Wall Décor
Create custom wall signs by painting letters or sayings on cutouts. Phrases like “Gobble Til You Wobble” or “Give Thanks” make fun turkey-themed signs.
Or accent walls by clustering cutouts in different sizes and shapes. Outline cutouts and layers with string lights for extra dazzle. Add pops of color with painted details.
Wreaths and Garlands
Incorporate cutouts into Thanksgiving wreaths using grapevine, faux leaves, and flowers as a base. Accent garlands with cutouts hanging at intervals between autumn sprigs and fabrics.
Napkin Rings
Fold and glue fabric around thick cutout slices to make unique napkin rings. Printed cottons like bandana or bandanna fabrics work nicely for a country feel.
Package Toppers
Adhere cutouts to gift bags, boxes, and food packages. They make great toppers for homemade food gifts like jams, baked goods, and more.
Ornaments
For holiday keepsakes, decorate small cutout shapes to use as Christmas tree ornaments in coming years. Date and varnish them after crafting.
Table Scatter
Use tiny turkey cutouts as confetti to sprinkle down Thanksgiving tables and buffets. They can also embellish wood slab name placards.
Decorative Magnets
Make wood cutout turkeys into magnets. Attach magnet strips or adhesive magnet dots onto the back before decorating. Display them on the fridge or metal boards.
Sun Catchers
For a colorful light effect, decorate cutout shapes with transparent glue, glitter, and gems. Hang in windows using string, suction cups, or hooks. When the light streams through, colors sparkle.
Where to Buy Wood Turkey Cutouts
Major retailers like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Walmart carry wood cutouts in-store and online. Amazon and independent craft sites like Sizzix and Oriental Trading also offer a huge selection of unfinished wood cutouts. For unique handmade cutouts, check out artists on Etsy who sell wood shapes.
Many basic materials and hobby stores also stock balsa wood sheets that are perfect for DIY-ing cutouts. Use stencils and jigsaws to create custom turkey silhouettes and shapes from wood boards.
So grab some fun materials, cue up festive music, and gather ’round the table to paint and decorate wood turkey cutouts. These DIY Thanksgiving decorations will add a handcrafted touch and lots of merriment to your holiday preparations. Gobble gobble!
