Giving Thanks: Three Simple Thanksgiving Crafts to Do with Kids

The Internet is filled with countless free Thanksgiving images that have a variety of fun uses. They can be used to impart a traditional Thanksgiving feel on web pages or blogs, or can be pressed into service for those old-time favorites: Thanksgiving crafts. For example, making craft projects out of free vintage Thanksgiving cards are easy-as-pie, because vintage images are both versatile and very effective at getting a point across. These pictures also usually cost nothing to download and their use doesn’t have any repercussions because their age puts them beyond copyright protection.

Just a quick Web search with the search term “vintage Thanksgiving cards” will produce a huge number of no-cost images from which many cool crafts projects can be made. And, of course, if you don’t like vintage, new 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 Web:

* We’re so Thankful Garlands *
Crafting thankful garlands is as simple as having guests or family members write their blessings on leaves cut from construction paper. Then, download and print an assortment of vintage Thanksgiving cards and using miniature clothespins, fasten the cards and the leaves in an alternating pattern onto a piece of yarn or ribbon. In the absence of 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 Greeting Cards *
When you’ve downloaded the Thanksgiving image you’d like to use, paste it into a word processing or PowerPoint document. You can make the card virtually whatever size you want 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 Place Cards *
The Thanksgiving dinner table is much prettier when you use table place cards. Fortunately, you can make them easily with free clip art images or vintage cards. Just download the image or images you want to use 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. Place your chosen art into every other cell, leaving room to write people’s names. Then, print onto heavy card stock, cut the place cards using a paper cutter or a ruler and craft knife and just fold them in half. Voila! That’s all it takes. Your Thanksgiving table will be instantly more beautiful.

I hope you and your kids enjoy making these simple and fun Thanksgiving crafts and that you have a happy holiday!