Learn how to make a pinecone turkey with these 4 fun and creative DIY ideas from TeeNavi. Perfect for Thanksgiving crafts, these simple step-by-step projects are great for kids and adults alike, adding a festive touch to your holiday decor.
1. How to make a pinecone Turkey with construction paper
Creating a pinecone turkey is not only a delightful project but also an excellent way to introduce basic skills such as tracing, cutting, and gluing. While crafting these adorable decorations, it’s a perfect opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about the significance of Thanksgiving, going beyond the delicious staples of mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
1.1 Prepare materials
Enhance your Thanksgiving table’s holiday spirit by involving the kids in a craft project. Use the available supplies to create charming and practical place card holders. This activity not only adds a festive touch but also serves as an excellent opportunity to teach them how to make a pinecone turkey.

For your next craft project, if you’re wondering how to make a pinecone turkey, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- A pinecone, which will serve as the body of the turkey.
- Construction paper for creating the turkey’s colorful feathers.
- Washable markers are perfect for adding details to the feathers.
- Googly eyes will bring your turkey to life.
- Child-safe scissors, ensure safety while cutting the paper.
- Glue to assemble all the parts together seamlessly.
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1.2 Instructions
If you’re looking for a fun and creative way on how to make a pinecone turkey, follow these simple instructions:
- Start by tracing your hand on construction paper, a fun way to involve kids in the craft.

- Carefully cut out the hand tracing, which will serve as the turkey’s feathers.
- On each finger of the cutout, write things you’re thankful for, or use it to write a guest’s name if it’s for a Thanksgiving dinner place card holder.

- Draw and cut a diamond shape from orange construction paper to make the beak.
- Fold the diamond in half to form the beak.
- Glue googly eyes onto the pinecone, which will be the body of your turkey.

- Attach the beak just below the eyes.
- Glue the hand cut out to the flat part of the pinecone to complete the feathers.
- Allow it to dry, and then enjoy your handmade pinecone turkey!

With just a few simple supplies and a dash of creativity, it’s easy to infuse your holiday celebrations with a bit of handmade charm and a lot of thankful spirits!
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2. DIY pinecone Turkey with cardstock
When considering pinecone turkeys how to make, remember that any variety of pinecone can be utilized. These turkeys are a remarkably simple and enjoyable craft project suitable for crafters of all ages. Moreover, these Thanksgiving-themed pinecone turkeys serve as splendid table adornments for your Thanksgiving celebration.
2.1 Ingredients needed
Creating a pinecone turkey with feathers is an activity suitable for all ages. Whether you prefer handcrafting your paper cutouts, utilizing the free coloring page provided below, or employing your Cricut machine for precision, options abound. I’ve included a special pinecone turkey template file for cutting. The available printable and cut files offer two distinct feather styles, allowing you to either mix and match or select your preferred design.
Essentials for this project:
- Access the printable turkey craft template found below.
- Use either paper or cardstock, depending on your preference.
- Have glue ready for assembly.
- A pinecone serves as the central body of your turkey.
- Scissors and crayons, along with other materials, are needed for personalizing your turkey’s feathers.

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2.2 Step by step
To learn how to make a Turkey from a pine cone, first get the printable template provided below.
- Place the pinecone on its side and gently roll it on the table to determine the most stable side for it to rest.
- Prepare the turkey elements by cutting out the head and feathers. If you’re utilizing the printable template, color in the feathers before cutting them out, as this makes the coloring process simpler.

- Apply a small amount of glue to the base of the turkey’s neck. Then, insert the turkey head between the scales of the pinecone.
- For each feather, dab a little glue at one end, then tuck it into the pinecone. Continue this process until all feathers are securely attached. Finally, let it dry to complete your pinecone turkey craft.

3. How to make a pinecone Turkey with feathers
Creating a pinecone turkey with feathers is a delightful project, especially when you start by gathering pinecones and then selecting the perfect feather colors. It’s all about assembling it creatively with items readily available in your pantry. One of the highlights of this craft is the opportunity to make a child-friendly ‘glue’ out of sugar – a safe and fun way to involve kids in the crafting process. Here’s a quick guide on how to make a pinecone turkey with feathers using these simple, pantry-based supplies.
3.1 Things you’ll need
When planning how to make a turkey with a pine cone, be sure to have these items ready:
- Measure out 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, essential for crafting.
- Prepare 1/2 cup of Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar for sweetness.
- Have 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil on hand, useful for mixing.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water, needed for the mixture.
- A paintbrush is ideal for applying your creative touches.
- Ensure you have pinecones that are clean and dry, which will serve as the turkey’s body.
- Gather colorful feathers to mimic the turkey’s plumage.
- Cut a small piece of orange foam or paper for the beak.
- Get 2 small googly eyes to bring your turkey to life.
- Scissors will be required for precision cutting.

3.2 Instructions
Embarking on the creative journey of how to make a pinecone turkey, here’s a unique approach:
- Position your pinecone sideways with its base facing you, setting the stage for your turkey’s face.
- Employ a paintbrush to gently dab glue onto the pinecone and carefully attach the vibrant feathers. It might be necessary to hold the feathers in place briefly to ensure the glue sets.
- Fashion a small triangular piece from orange foam or paper to represent the turkey’s gizzard.
- Affix the turkey gizzard and googly eyes onto the front of the pinecone, transforming it into an adorable turkey. Your custom pinecone turkey is now ready to enhance your festive display!

4. How to make a Turkey out of pinecones and foam
Discover how to make a Turkey pinecone craft, an enjoyable and straightforward activity that’s perfect for engaging your children on Thanksgiving morning as the feast comes together. They’ll relish the opportunity to create these charming crafts alongside you, and they’ll have just as much fun playing with their creations!
4.1 Prepare ingredients
Gather some pinecones, either from your backyard or bought from a store, and get ready for a creative session with your kids on how to make a pinecone turkey. This can be a delightful activity to engage the children at the Thanksgiving kids’ table, keeping them occupied as the meal preparations are underway.
For this craft, you will need:
- Pinecones, which are the foundation of our turkey.
- Textured paper (I originally used Core’dinations Spotted Tillie Dot Paper, although it’s not currently available; feel free to use any similar paper).
- A Cricut Explore for precision cutting of feathers, though you can also hand-cut feathers using a template.
- Foam sheets for additional texture.
- Brown felt to create a rustic look.
- Orange felt for the turkey’s beak.
- Googly eyes to give your turkey character.
- School glue is perfect for sticking everything together.
- Safety scissors, ensuring kids can participate safely.

4.2 Implementation steps
Begin by preparing all the components needed to create your turkey from a pine cone. While I used a Cricut machine to precisely cut out the feathers, you have the option to either trace a template or cut them by hand. For the turkey’s feet, I chose yellow foam, which can be easily shaped.

Proceed by adhering the foam ‘feet’ to the bottom of the pinecone. It’s crucial to position the pinecone as shown in the photos – with the base of the pinecone representing the turkey’s rear. The next step involves attaching the head to what will be the ‘front’ of your turkey. Embellish it with eyes and a beak, a step that’s often a favorite for everyone involved! Position and glue the feathers as demonstrated, fitting them into the crevices of the pinecone. Once completed, leave the turkey to dry.

As we wrap up our journey on how to make a pinecone turkey, a project perfect for Thanksgiving, we hope you’ve found inspiration and joy in these creative ideas. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating your holiday table, or simply enjoying a bit of festive DIY, these pinecone turkeys are sure to add a touch of whimsy and warmth to your Thanksgiving celebrations. Shared by TeeNavi, these ideas are not just about creating a craft; they’re about making memories. So gather your pinecones and let the fun begin!
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I’m Jennifer Tran, a helpful staff member at TeeNavi. My expertise lies in providing valuable advice on gifts and experiences for special occasions such as Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. I enjoy suggesting memorable experiences, thoughtful ideas, and unique gifts. As a dependable and supportive colleague, I’m always ready to lend a hand when it comes to selecting gifts for holidays.
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