When Thanksgiving Day rolls around in Bedford, the kitchen can get mighty busy — pots bubbling, pies cooling, and everyone moving around with purpose. To keep those little hands happily occupied while dinner comes together, this Turkey Puppet Craft is just the thing. It’s fun, simple, and gives kids a chance to be creative while staying out of the kitchen traffic!

Supplies:

  • Brown paper lunch bags
  • Construction paper (red, orange, yellow, brown)
  • Scissors
  • Glue sticks
  • Markers or crayons
  • Googly eyes (optional)
  • Feathers (optional)

Instructions for Ages 7–9:

  1. Have them cut feather shapes from colorful construction paper.
  2. Glue the feathers to the back flap of the paper bag.
  3. Create a turkey face on the bag’s bottom: draw eyes or glue googly eyes, then add a beak and a wiggly red snood.
  4. Let them decorate with patterns, dots, or even write things they’re thankful for on each feather.

Kids this age can handle cutting, layering feathers neatly, and adding their own personality to the puppet.

Adjustments for Younger Children (Ages 4–6):

  • Pre-cut feathers, beaks, and snoods.
  • Let them simply glue pieces down and color designs.
  • Skip scissors and small parts; focus on sticking and drawing.

Adjustments for Older Children (Ages 10–12):

  • Encourage them to create 3D details like folded wings or layered feathers.
  • Provide patterned scrapbook paper for more advanced designs.
  • They can even turn the puppet into a storytelling prop for a mini Thanksgiving play.

This craft keeps kids entertained, creative, and close enough to feel part of the fun — all while giving you the space you need to finish up your Thanksgiving feast. Happy crafting!