Simple Thanksgiving Centerpiece

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Nov 2009 12:20 AM

My young daughter is beyond thrilled that two local radio stations are already playing Christmas music all.day.long. However, I am adamant that Thanksgiving will not come and go without due celebration. To shift my 5-year-old's attention back to the holiday at hand I'm having her handcraft all of our Thanksgiving decorations.

Next week she is off from school for parent-teacher conferences. During this break from class we will be making the following simple Thanksgiving centerpiece:

FALL LEAF CENTERPIECE

Materials:

Plastic margarine container (washed and dried)

Scissors

White craft glue or Mod Podge Decoupage Medium

Glue gun

Brown construction paper, burlap, or brown fabric

Paintbrush

Colorful fall leaves (see tips for preserving below)

Directions:

Cut the construction paper, burlap or material in various shapes and sizes

Slightly dilute craft glue or Mod Podge and apply to margarine container with a paintbrush.

Place the paper, burlap or fabric on the container until the container is completely covered.

Apply an extra coat of Mod-Podge over the entire margarine container.

Set aside and let dry completely.

When container is dry use glue and cover with colorful fall leaves.

To make the container into a turkey centerpiece you will need:

Glue

Construction paper or craft foam sheets (brown, red, yellow, orange)

Googly eyes

Directions:

Once your margarine container is covered with leaves cut two feet, a red wattle and a beak from the colored construction paper or foam sheets.

Glue on the feet, wattle and beak to the turkey's body (the margarine container), then glue on the googly eyes.

When the glue is completely dry fill your turkey centerpiece with flowers, nuts, or candy.

Tips for Preserving Fall Leaves

Gather a variety of colorful fall leaves and place them in between two layers of wax paper. Cover the wax paper with a cotton rag, then using a warm (not hot) iron, press down on the wax paper-covered leaves, sealing the wax paper together with the leaves in between. Finally, cut out the leaves, leaving a narrow margin of wax paper around each leaf edge.

Faster Method:

Gather a variety of fresh fall leaves (not the ones that are dry and brittle). Get a plate and place a layer of leaves on top of a paper towel, then cover them with another paper towel.

Place plate with leaves into the microwave oven for about 45-160 seconds (the drier the leaves the less time they will need to be in the microwave).

WARNING: Do not leave the "cooking" leaves unattended as they may start a fire if left in the oven too long.

If the leaves are curled on the edges they need more time.

Remove leaves from microwave and let stand for an hour, and then finish by applying a sealant, such as an acrylic craft spray, on the leaves before adding them to craft project.

Related Articles:

Hands-On Thanksgiving Fun

Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Art Projects

Homemade Thanksgiving Decorations Courtesy of Mother Nature

Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Thanksgiving

Keeping Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

More Easy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts

Thoughtful Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts for Kids

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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