Family Fun: Easy Thanksgiving Crafts
The online world is filled with countless zero-cost Thanksgiving images that have terrific potential. They can be used to impart a traditional Thanksgiving feel on web pages or blogs, or for one of my favorite things: Thanksgiving crafts. As an example, crafts made from vintage Thanksgiving greeting 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 using the search term “vintage Thanksgiving cards” will produce a huge selection of free images from which many cool crafts projects can be made. And if you’re not a fan of vintage, new Thanksgiving images or fall scrapbook papers like this can also produce great craft projects.
Here are some examples of simple projects virtually anyone can make by using free images found online:
* We’re so Thankful Garlands *
Making Thanksgiving garlands can be as simple as having guests or family members write their blessings on leaves cut from construction paper. Then, just print some vintage Thanksgiving cards and using miniature clothespins, add the vintage cards and the leaves, alternating them onto a long piece of ribbon or yarn. 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 use contemporary Thanksgiving clip art instead of the cards to alternate with the leaves. Once finished, drape the garland over a windowsill or a mantelpiece so your guests can be proud of what they created!
* Handmade Thanksgiving Greeting Cards *
Once you’ve gone online and downloaded the image you would like to use, paste it into a Word, PowerPoint or OneNote document. You can make the card virtually whatever size you want by adjusting the software’s settings. Place the image on one half of the card, so it can be folded in half after it’s printed. Print the card on card stock as heavy as your printer will allow, fold it and and apply just a little glitter glue to make it sparkle. You can also make your own envelopes or just get some at the dollar store.
* Thanksgiving Table Place Cards *
Some believe a Thanksgiving dinner table is bare and incomplete without table place cards. Fortunately, you can make them easily with free clip art images or vintage cards. Simply download the the image or images you like and paste them into a table in your word processing program. Make the table two columns by six or eight rows, depending on how tall you want the cards to be. Place your chosen art into every other cell, leaving room to write people’s names. Then, print onto heavy card stock, cut them out using a paper cutter or a ruler and craft knife and just fold them in half. Voila! That’s it. Your holiday table will be that much more festive.
I hope you have a great time making these Thanksgiving craft projects and that you have a great holiday!