Crafty Ways to be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a perfect time to gather the family and get crafty!
No presents and few decorations = more time to craft!

I also love the opportunity to teach and participate in being grateful and am always looking for new ways to do this.

This simple and cute project is a great way to think about what we’re grateful long before the big day. It’s also nice to avoid those sometimes awkward “what are we thankful for” Thanksgiving table traditions by anonymously (if you wish) reading what family & friends have submitted all month long.

The idea is to use this Turkey centerpiece as home decor the entire month of November, leaving a little pad of paper and pencil next to it. Have a little family meeting and let everyone know the challenge: Whenever you think of something you’re grateful for, write it down and put it in the Turkey bag! I love how spontaneous these comments can be and how many more ‘grateful’ thoughts you have when you’re challenged.

Supplies:

5 1/4″ x 8 1/2″ gift bag
Patterned Paper (greens and oranges work well)
Cardstock (orange & Green or whatever coordinates with your patterned paper)

Instructions:

1. Cut top off of gift bag so bottom part measures 5 1/2″.

2. Download templates here: http://myeyeqdownloads.shutterfly.com/. Click on PDF link at top of page.

3. Print them out on cardstock, cut out.

4. Place templates on paper and cut out.
a. Green cardstock: Background large Feathers and waddle
b. Orange cardstock: Head
c. Green patterned paper : Half circle feathers
d. Orange patterned paper: Half circle feathers and photo corners
e. Brown cardstock: Beak

5. Print out “Blessings Brighten” sentiment on cardstock. Trim to measure

6. Adhere & assemble all the pieces (I used pop-up foam squares for some of the layers)

7. Make two of these and adhere one to each side of the bag.

You could coordinate your table setting a little more by making these miniature place settings.

Customize each place settings by typing and printing out your guests names. You can match the sentiment on the centerpiece by downloading this free font, Landsdowne: http://www.1001freefonts.com/Landsdowne.php

Thanksgiving Mini Album Favor

Another idea that can be very easy (depending on how crafty you feel) is making a 6″ x 6″ mini album for a table setting/favor.

This doesn’t have to be a one-time album/gift…use it every year! just add pages the longer you use it. You could add pictures, memories, gratitude thoughts or everything. What a great keepsake that everyone will treasure!

Simply cut 6″ x 6″ squares pages from cardstock as your base. Use a clip ring to keep pages together. Decorate as you wish, add photos, tags, ribbon or anything you like.

Photo Place Settings

Photos of guests with things they are grateful for as place settings may require a little forethought but could be a fun and meaningful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

You could do this a couple of different ways

a. Arrange to take pictures of guests with things they are grateful for.

b. Find photos of guests (may take a bit of detective work) for a nice surprise.