Let's Talk Turkey! Pinecone Turkey
Published July 20, 2012
Turn a pinecone into a Thanksgiving Place Setting
It’s that time of year again when we gather as a family and enjoy the Thanksgiving Day weekend.
One way to add some fun in the preparations is to get the kids involved in a Thanksgiving Day craft.
Here’s an idea that’s simple to assemble and involves every age from toddler to adult.
Look for large, well-opened pinecones and be sure to have an adult handle the glue gun if children are involved.
Materials
- Large, dry pinecones
- Glue and glue gun
- Feathers (available at Craft Supply Stores)
- Brown Pipe Cleaners
- Alternatively: wire, or gourd stems
- Black tissue paper
- Pen and Nametags
When choosing feathers at the craft store, try to purchase ones that are as natural looking as possible.
Begin by cleaning the pinecone of any residue or dirt.
With a hot glue gun, glue the feathers on the widest section of the pinecone and work your way inwards into the narrowest part of the cone. Stop after 2-3 rows.
Cut a 3-inch piece of brown pipe cleaner. Bend the piece to form a head and neck portion of the turkey.
Glue the pipe cleaner on the end of the narrow portion of the pinecone. An alternative is to purchase some inexpensive gourds and cut the stem portion off the top. This makes a very natural and realistic looking head and neck.
Write the guest name on the nametag and tuck into the side of the cone or attach a small string and hang around the neck of the turkey.
Another option is to purchase a small, artificial leaf and write the guest’s name with a gold pen and wind the wire portion around the neck.
Place a pinecone turkey at each place setting.
