Pumpkins are traditionally used as Halloween decorations, but when placed strategically they can really liven up a Thanksgiving display as well. Fresh pumpkins can still be purchased at most grocery stores and some local farms, though they are not as readily accessible as they were in September and October.
If you can get your hands on fresh pumpkins (for the right price), consider crafting the following Thanksgiving-themed decorations:
PUMPKIN TURKEYS
This project is kid-friendly and serves as a great craft to complete while your Thanksgiving turkey is cooking.
Materials:
Small Pumpkins
Ice Pick
Lollipops
Colored Construction Paper
Markers
Directions:
Poke a series of holes in a horizontal line across the back of each pumpkin.
Place lollipops into the holes to resemble turkey feathers.
Use the black marker to draw turkey’s face on the front of the pumpkin or use construction paper to make a more elaborate face and glue onto pumpkin.
DECORATIVE THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN
Print out a Thanksgiving coloring page or freehand a picture of your favorite Thanksgiving scene (Pilgrims and Indians sharing a meal, turkeys, cornucopia, etc.) Using a Dremel and detailing tool to carve the picture into the pumpkin and use it as part of your Thanksgiving centerpiece.
PUMPKIN PEOPLE
Use autumn’s natural bounty to craft these pumpkin people, then position them in various parts of your home for Thanksgiving guests to enjoy.
Materials:
Pumpkins
Leaves
Sticks
Twigs
Seeds
Acorns
Straw
Small Pinecones
Indian Corn
Cloves
Other seasonal decorative materials
Orange rinds
Craft Glue
Directions:
Collect twigs for hair, a pinecone for a nose and cloves, corn kernels and dried Indian corn for other facial features.
Cut orange rinds into semicircles for your pumpkin person’s ears.
Attach items to the pumpkin with glue.
Use your creativity to make each pumpkin person unique. You could use leaves for hair or top one of the pumpkin people with an old straw hat.
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