Crafting a Cute Pumpkin Turkey for Thanksgiving: My Step-by-Step Guide

Every year when fall rolls around, I get super excited to decorate for Thanksgiving. As soon as the leaves start changing, I’m ready to break out the pumpkins, wreaths, and everything autumn One of my favorite handmade decor projects is crafting an adorable pumpkin turkey centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table It’s such a fun activity that gets me in the holiday spirit.

In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how I make a pumpkin turkey from start to finish using simple supplies. My turkey design is perfect for beginners and kids to make. You’ll learn how to paint and embellish a pumpkin to transform it into a fabulous Thanksgiving decoration. Let’s get crafting!

Supplies You’ll Need

Making a pumpkin turkey is suprisingly easy with basic craft supplies Here’s what you’ll need

• Small pie pumpkin or other round squash
• Acrylic craft paint in orange, brown, yellow, black, red
• Paintbrushes
• Washi or masking tape
• Hot glue gun
• Felt or construction paper for eyes, wattle, beak
• Fake leaves, raffia, feathers (optional)

And that’s it! These supplies are probs already in your craft stash or easily found at any craft store.

Step 1: Paint the Pumpkin

Start by giving your pumpkin a fresh coat of paint:

• Lay down some newspaper or a plastic bag to protect your work surface.

• Pour some orange, yellow and brown paint onto a disposable plate or palette.

• Use a wide brush to coat the entire pumpkin with swirls of orange, yellow and brown paint.

• Really load up on the paint and apply thick, irregular strokes for a rustic look.

• Let the painted pumpkin fully dry before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Add the Turkey’s Head & Feet

Here’s how to transform your pumpkin into a turkey:

• Cut three kidney bean shapes from brown felt or construction paper – these will be the feet.

• Cut a large oval from brown paper for the turkey’s body.

• Cut a smaller upside down heart shape for the head and neck.

• Glue the head and feet in place on the pumpkin with hot glue.

Step 3: Create the Beak, Eyes & Wattle

To make the turkey’s cute face:

• Cut an orange triangle for the beak and glue to center of the head.

• Glue on two googly eyes or small circles of black felt.

• Cut a red wattle shape and glue under beak.

• Draw a pupils on the eyes with black marker to finish the face.

So easy! Just 3 elements gives your turkey tons of personality.

Step 4: Add Feathers to Finish

Time for feathers to complete your pumpkin turkey.

For the tail:

• Cut feather shapes from brown, orange and yellow paper.

• Fan and arrange tails feathers in a half circle.

• Tape feathers together at bottom with masking tape.

• Tape tail feathers to back of pumpkin.

For the wings:

• Cut slightly curved feather shapes from patterned paper.

• Tape or glue wings on each side towards the top.

To make your turkey extra fancy, you can also add:

• Fake leaves or real leaves from outside inserted by stems

• Raffia wrapped around base for “legs”

• Longer real feathers added to tail

Get creative with colors, textures and embellishments!

Displaying Your Adorable Pumpkin Turkey

Once your pumpkin turkey is complete, it’s time to show it off!

• Place your turkey on the Thanksgiving table as a centerpiece.

• Sit him on a large platter or cake stand to raise him up.

• Surround with pinecones, acorns, leaves, mini pumpkins or other fall decor.

• For outdoors, set him by your front door or on the patio.

• Add a sign with “Thanks” or something you’re grateful for.

• Use battery operated tealights inside to create a fun glow.

However you show off your pumpkin turkey, he’s sure to put a smile on everyone’s face this Thanksgiving!

Turkey-fying Other Vegetables

A pumpkin isn’t your only option for crafting a Thanksgiving turkey. You can use:

• Butternut squash

• Acorn squash

• Onions

• Mini pumpkins

• Apples

• Potatoes

• Sweet potatoes

• Beets

Anything round or oval shaped works great! Follow the same steps to transform with paint, feathers and facial features. Let your creativity go wild.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

Here are some extra pointers to make your pumpkin turkey a success:

• Use a smooth, round pie pumpkin for the best turkey shape

• Clean pumpkin first and let dry before painting

• Do 2-3 coats of acrylic paint for good coverage

• Glue gun works best for attaching parts – hold in place for 30 secs as it cools

• Use strong washi or masking tape to secure feathers

• Insert real feathers into slits made with a craft knife

• Display indoors only 1-2 weeks to prevent molding

Fun Ways Kids Can Help

Crafting a pumpkin turkey is a great family activity. Here are some ways kids can help:

• Paint the pumpkin with bright colors

• Cut out paper feathers and collage patterns

• Arrange and attach tail feathers

• Glue on eyes, beak, wattle

• Add embellishments like leaves or feathers

• Write name on back and what they’re thankful for

With just a little guidance, kids will love creating their own unique turkey to show off!