How to Make a Wooden Turkey for Thanksgiving Decor

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to decorate for Thanksgiving! A fun and easy DIY decoration to make is a wooden turkey. Not only does a handmade turkey add a personalized touch to your Thanksgiving table, but it also makes for a unique centerpiece With just a few supplies, you can create your own wooden turkey in no time.

In this step-by-step tutorial I’ll walk you through the entire process of crafting a wooden turkey decoration from start to finish using simple materials. Follow along to make your own beautiful turkey that will impress your family and friends this Thanksgiving!

Supplies Needed

Making a wooden turkey is an easy craft that requires minimal supplies Here’s what you’ll need

• 1 small wooden cutting board (6.5″ x 4.5″)
• 1 round wooden circle (6.5″)
• 5 large craft sticks
• 1 half wooden bead (1″)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• 3 wooden clothespins
• Paint brush
• Gel stain in walnut color
• Gold rub ‘n buff paste
• Scissors or wire cutters

Most of these supplies can be found at craft stores like Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart for very low prices. The most important pieces are the wooden cutting board and round circle, which make up the turkey’s body.

Step 1: Cut and Stain the Craft Sticks

The first step is to cut each large craft stick in half so you have 10 sticks total. Use scissors or wire cutters to cut them. The craft sticks will be used to make the turkey’s feathered tail.

Once cut, use a walnut colored gel stain to stain all 10 half sticks. Apply the stain with a paintbrush and let them dry completely. Staining the sticks first makes the gluing process easier later on.

Step 2: Stain the Remaining Wood Pieces

Next, use the same walnut stain to stain the wooden circle, cutting board, half wooden bead, and clothespins. Let all the pieces dry fully before assembling.

Step 3: Cut the Clothespin

Take one of the clothespins and trim it down slightly with wire cutters. Remove about 1/4 inch from the bottom. This trimmed down clothespin will help support the turkey’s body.

Step 4: Glue the Body

Apply hot glue to the back of the wooden cutting board and adhere it to the center of the round wooden circle. Press firmly.

Once secured, glue the half wooden bead to the top of the cutting board, near the edge. This will create the turkey’s head.

Step 5: Glue the Feathers

Next, take the 10 stained craft sticks to create your turkey’s feathers. Apply hot glue to the back of the round wooden circle, along the outer edge. Then, glue the craft sticks vertically around the edge of the circle in a feathered pattern.

Step 6: Add the Clothespins

Take the two full-sized clothespins and glue one on each side of the turkey’s body, near the bottom, to make the feet. Then take the trimmed clothespin and glue it to the center back of the wooden circle for extra support.

Step 7: Add Metallic Details

If desired, you can add a golden sheen to the wooden feathers. Use a gold leaf rub ‘n buff paste on the craft sticks. Apply with your fingertip and wipe away excess. This gives a metallic gleam to the feathers.

You can also paint or stain the back of the turkey if you want a finished look on both sides.

And that’s it! Your wooden turkey is complete. You can display it on any table or mantel as a Thanksgiving decoration. Add a simple bow, floral arrangement, or favor tags to dress it up. What a fun handmade addition to your holiday decor!

The best part of this wooden turkey project is you likely have most of the materials on hand. With just simple wood pieces, glue, stain, and a few clothespins, you can DIY an incredible decoration that looks like it came from a boutique. Everything can be customized to match your style and space.

Make several of these homemade turkeys to display together for even more impact. They also make wonderful hostess gifts! Who wouldn’t love receiving a hand-crafted turkey decoration for Thanksgiving?

Beyond the wooden shapes, you can get creative with paint, paper, glitter, and other embellishments. Add googly eyes for a whimsical turkey or brush metallic bronze paint on the feathers. Simple touches personalize it and make each turkey unique.

If you’re short on time, simplify the project by eliminating the staining and metallic rub ‘n buff steps. The turkey will still look cute with just its natural wood hues and craft stick feathers. It’s an adaptable project for all skill levels!

I hope you’re inspired to craft your own wooden turkey this Thanksgiving. With minimal time and effort, you can make a holiday decoration to be proud of. Display your handmade turkey front and center this fall. I can’t wait to see your artistic creations!