Thanksgiving Crafts (aka keeping little hands busy and not picking at the turkey)

As you all know, I have kids. And keeping them busy is Numero Uno. Especially on Thanksgiving, once the parade is over, there are still a few hours to dinner. Here are some fabu ideas that can keep them out of your hair and kitchen.

Nothing beats a collage. Set out construction paper in autumnal colors, such as brown, orange, red, and gold; and packages of feathers, pipe cleaners, and foam buttons. Put out glue and scissors and let the children cut and paste. Since you’ve determined the color theme, the end result is sure to be festive.

Assemble place cards from OTC’s Thanksgiving place card craft kit.

Cover the kids’ table in butcher paper and create a unique place for each child with patterned paper utensil pockets. Added bonus: they can color right on it!

Create paper boat placecards and embellish with feathers and sequins.

Create these corn-cob crackers and add little candies and a gratitude form to be filled out and read aloud as part of your festivites.

Paint stones with brightly colored tempera paint and glue on pasta letters for place settings, or just let the imagination roll with their own paint designs. Try the same on pinecones and acorns.

These fun leaf placemats can become a permanent fixture when covered with Con-Tact paper.

I love polymer clay, and these creations are fun and easy to make.