With the help of a few craft supplies and a basic turkey template, crafters create unique mini turkeys from pine cones of all sizes and shapes. The easy steps and minimal materials make this craft a good choice for young artists eager to participate in making holiday decorations.
Adapt the paper template as needed to meet the pine cone's proportions. Paint the pinecones beforehand if desired, or use the natural bark color to contrast the bright colors of the construction paper.
Materials Needed for Pine Cone Turkeys:
- Pine cones
- Construction paper in fall colors (brown, red, green, orange, etc.)
- Turkey template (included)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
- Paint (optional)
Cutting the Features
Print the templates included in this article, or freehand new ones by tracing a design directly onto paper. The turkey head is a basic design -- a circle at the top of a tear-shaped neck -- and the feather is an easy pattern to duplicate. Each turkey will need a head and a series of feathers to form the fan-shaped tail. The feathers can be the same shade or a variety of colors, depending upon the desired look for each one.
Cut two wings or wings or leave them off to show the pine cone's natural beauty (or its painted surface). Use crayons or markers too add a touch of color to the turkey's long undercomb or neck, spines to the tail feathers, or any other details, including eyes.
Assembling the Turkey
Once any colorful details have been added, glue the finished feathers in a fan-like shape along the widest end (or base) of the pinecone. Overlap them slightly for effect.
After the turkey's facial features are finished, glue the neck to the tip of the pine cone, letting the undercomb hang slightly below the top. Glue the wings to the sides, letting the feathered tips fan out slightly from the sides.
Adding Extra Features
Kid crafters may want to contribute fun details to their turkeys, such as pipe cleaner legs or mini "rolling" plastic eyes from doll craft supply stores. Bright colors like red, orange, even purple may appeal to younger artists who want their turkey creations to be unique.
Grown-up artists may prefer to experiment with alternative craft materials. Craft feathers, printed cardstock, and other substitute craft supplies can be adapted for the pine cone turkey design. Seeds or beads can be used as eyes to turkey faces, while natural craft supplies like Spanish moss or tree moss forms nests for displaying pine cone turkeys.
Pile the finished creations in a bowl or arrange with fall leaves, cornucopias, and other Thanksgiving decorations. The miniature turkeys also make attractive ornaments for a holiday tree or window display.
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