Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means – it’s time to break out the arts and crafts supplies! Making an origami turkey is a fun, easy craft that kids of all ages can get excited about. These cute handmade paper turkeys can be used as decorations, place cards, or just for plain old turkey-makin’ fun.

In this easy DIY origami tutorial, I’ll walk you through how to make an origami turkey step-by-step with pictures. With just a few simple folds, you can create a 3D origami turkey centerpiece that looks great on any Thanksgiving table!

Why Make an Origami Turkey?

Origami is the perfect activity for celebrating Thanksgiving. After all, what’s more fitting for Turkey Day than creating an actual paper turkey?

Here are some of the reasons origami turkeys make such a great Thanksgiving craft:

• It’s budget-friendly. All you need is paper, no fancy supplies required.

• It’s beginner-friendly. Even someone who has never done origami before can easily master these simple folds.

• It’s customizable. Decorate your origami turkeys with crayons markers feathers – get creative!

• Kids love it. Origami is fun hands-on learning for kids of all ages.

• Makes a great decoration Line your table or mantel with a flock of homemade paper turkeys

If you’re looking for an easy, affordable craft to do with the kids this Thanksgiving, origami turkeys check all the boxes!

Origami Turkey Materials

One of the great things about origami is that you can make it out of any piece of paper. However, origami paper works best since it has a nice color on one side and white on the other.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Square origami paper – I recommend using 6 inch squares if you want a good sized turkey Origami paper comes in packs with a variety of colors and patterns to choose from

• Googly eyes (optional) – Googly eye stickers make a fun addition to give your turkey some personality!

• Glue – Any basic craft glue or a glue stick will do.

And that’s it! No fancy tools or mad origami skills required. Now let’s get folding!

Origami Turkey Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow the step-by-step photo instructions below to make your very own origami turkey for Thanksgiving! I promise it’s easier than tackling that big holiday meal.

Step 1: Start with a Square

Begin with your square piece of origami paper with the color side facing up. If you’re not using origami paper, a 6 inch square works nicely.

[Photo of square origami paper]

Step 2: Fold in Half Diagonally

Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle. Crease well and unfold.

[Photo of paper folded diagonally in half]

Step 3: Fold Both Sides Inward

Fold the left and right corners inward along the crease lines.

[Photo of folded in corners]

Step 4: Fold Top Down

Fold the top point of the triangle down, leaving some space at the top.

[Photo of folded down top]

Step 5: Fold Sides Inward

Fold the left and right sides inward along the existing crease lines to form a smaller triangle.

[Photo of sides folded inward]

Step 6: Flip Over

Flip the whole piece over to the blank white side.

[Photo of white side facing up]

Step 7: Fold in Half

Fold the triangle in half along the existing crease line.

[Photo of fold in half]

Step 8: Fold Down the Top

Fold down the top layer.

[Photo of fold down top layer]

Step 9: Make Accordion Folds

Accordion fold the bottom section of the body.

[Photo of accordion folds]

Step 10: Fold Up Bottom Tip

Fold up the bottom tip to form the head.

[Photo of folded up head]

Step 11: Fold Down Top Triangle

Fold down the top triangle. Add a dab of glue and pinch together to hold in place.

[Photo of glued down top]

Step 12: Shape the Tail

Carefully shape the accordion folds into a tail.

[Photo of finished tail]

Step 13: Draw on Eyes

Use a marker to draw or glue on googly eyes to finish your origami turkey!

[Photo of finished origami turkey]

And just like that, you have a complete 3D paper turkey made from simple origami folds. Wasn’t that easy?

Origami Turkey Decorating Ideas

Now for the fun part – decorating your origami turkeys! Here are some ideas:

• Use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to draw on feathers, wattles, feet, etc.

• Glue on googly eyes, pom poms, or sequins for fun turkey details.

• Cut out construction paper wattles and feet and glue them on.

• For a flock, make turkeys in different fall colors like red, orange, yellow and brown.

• Glue a turkey to a craft stick to make turkey puppets for kids.

• Attach a magnet to display your turkeys on the fridge.

• Write names on the turkeys to use as place cards. So clever!

Add some creativity to your origami turkeys to make them into cute works of Thanksgiving art.

Displaying Origami Turkeys

Once you’ve crafted up a storm of paper turkeys, here are some ways to show off your flock:

• Line them up on your Thanksgiving table as festive decor.

• Hang them from twine strung across the wall or mantel.

• Cluster them in the center of the table as part of a Thanksgiving centerpiece.

• Perch them on plates and platters around the table.

• Place them at each place setting as artsy name cards.

• Arrange them down the middle of the table for a colorful runner.

However you choose to display your homemade origami turkeys, they’ll add a bright pop of Thanksgiving spirit.

Origami Turkey Tips

Here are a few helpful tips to make your origami turkey crafting go smoothly:

• Start with square origami paper or cut regular paper into 6 inch squares.

• Follow each step slowly to understand how the folds work together.

• Crease the folds sharply for crisp edges.

• Use basic craft glue for sticking on any decorations.

• Keep a finished origami turkey in front of you as a folding reference!

• Have fun and get creative with colors and decorations.

If the instructions seem difficult at first, take your time and practice. Once you get the basic folding technique down, it’s easy to whip these out assembly line style.

More Fun Origami Crafts

Now that you know how to fold an origami turkey, you can make all kinds of origami animals and shapes! Here are some other easy origami projects to try:

• Origami penguin

• Origami swan

• Origami heart

• Origami star

• Origami envelope

• Origami butterfly

• Origami flower

Pick your favorite – the possibilities for origami fun are endless! Just fold away.

Origami Your Way to Turkey Day Fun!

I hope these step-by-step instructions take the guesswork out of how to make an origami turkey. With just a few simple folds, you can create a handmade Thanksgiving centerpiece.

Making origami turkeys is a crafty way to get in the Turkey Day spirit, and they make great DIY holiday decorations. So grab some paper and start folding your flock! Let your creativity run wild with fun colors and designs.

Display your handmade origami turkeys prominently on the Thanksgiving table so you can gobble up the compliments! Your guests will be impressed with your crafty skills.

Want to try more origami animals? Check out our guides for an origami penguin, swan, or butterfly!