This little clay pot turkey craft is simple to assemble, inexpensive to make, and makes a great table decoration or hostess gift for Thanksgiving.
by Amanda Formaro of Crafts By Amanda
For each turkey, you will need:
- (1) 1-1/2″ diameter wooden ball
- (1) 2-1/4″ diameter clay pot
- 3 or 4 feathers
- small bowtie or 6-inch length of ribbon
- (1) green button
- 6-inch length of jute or raffia
- white craft or hot glue
- black fine-tip marker
- small and large paintbrushes acrylic paints in brown, tan, mustard yellow, red and rose
- clear coat spray
How to make the turkey decoration
Body
Place newspaper down on the work surface. Turn the clay pot over and glue the wooden ball to the bottom of the pot.
When the glue is dry, use a large paintbrush to paint the entire outside of the clay pot and the entire wooden ball with brown paint. Let it dry, then apply a second coat.
When dry, use a large paintbrush to fleck on spots of tan paint for effect. This does not have to be perfect! Using a small paintbrush, paint on your feet and beak, and use the photo as a guide if needed.
Making the turkey’s head
Use a small paintbrush to paint the gobbler in red. Dab a large paintbrush or stencil dotter in rose paint. Dab onto a newspaper or paper towel until all excess paint is removed. Gently dab onto the “cheeks” of the turkey’s face.
When the paint is completely dry, draw on the eyes and dot nostrils onto the beak with the black fine-tip marker. Then, spray the entire surface with clear coat.
Finishing touches for this project
Glue miniature bow tie in place, or fashion a simple bow out of ribbon and glue in place. Trim excess to suit your tastes. Tie a piece of jute or raffia through the holes of the green button.
Tie a bow and trim excess. Glue button to the body below the bowtie. Glue feathers to the back so that they stick up above the back of the turkey’s head.
