Three Easy, Fun and Meaningful Thanksgiving Crafts to Do with Kids
The Internet is chock full of free Thanksgiving images that have terrific potential. They can be used to illustrate the holiday on web pages or blogs, or for one of my favorite things: Thanksgiving crafts. For example, making craft projects out of vintage Thanksgiving cards are no-brainers, because vintage images are versatile and also quite effective when it comes to delivering a message. Because of their age, these images can also be downloaded and used without fear of consequences stemming from copyright infringement.
Doing a quick Web search for “vintage Thanksgiving cards” will produce a huge number of no-cost images from which many craft projects can be made. And if you’re not a fan of vintage, contemporary Thanksgiving clip art or free autumn clip art can also be used to produce beautiful craft projects.
Here are some examples of simple projects virtually kids and teens can make by using free images found on the Internet:
* We’re so Thankful Garlands *
Crafting Thanksgiving garlands is as simple as having your guests write all the blessings they’re grateful for in their lives. Then, just print some vintage Thanksgiving cards and with the help of tiny clothespins, fasten the cards and the leaves in an alternating pattern onto a long piece of ribbon or yarn. If you don’t have any clothespins, paper clips, colorful clamps from the office supply store or tape will hold the components in place. Another option to consider would be to alternate Thanksgiving clip art with the leaves, instead of using the vintage cards. Once finished, drape the garland over a windowsill or a mantelpiece to show off everyone’s good work!
* Handmade Thanksgiving Cards *
When you’ve downloaded the Thanksgiving image you’d like to use, paste it into a word processing or PowerPoint document. You can size the card using the software’s settings. Position the image on one half of the card, so it can be folded in half once it’s printed. Print the card on sturdy stock, fold it and use a little glitter glue to make it sparkle. You can also make your own envelopes or just get some at the dollar store.
* Thanksgiving Table Place Cards *
Some believe a Thanksgiving dinner table is bare and incomplete without table place cards. Fortunately, you can make them easily with vintage cards or free clip art images. Simply download the the image or images you like and paste them into a table in your word processing program. The table should have two columns and six or eight rows, depending on how long and thin you want the cards. Paste the art into every other cell, making sure there’s enough room on the cards to write people’s names. Then, print onto heavy card stock, cut them out using a paper cutter or a ruler and craft knife and just fold them in half. Voila! That’s it. Your Thanksgiving table will be instantly more beautiful.
I hope your family has a great time making these Thanksgiving craft projects and that you have a great holiday!
