How to Make a Pine Cone Turkey Thanksgiving Decoration

Looking for something a little different this year to decorate your Thanksgiving table? How about a flock of turkeys? Pine cone turkeys are easy to make, fun for the kids, and are great conversation pieces. Here’s how to make your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 12” pipe cleaner in your choice of color
• 1 pair of small sized googly eyes (wiggle eyes)
• 1 medium sized pine cone
• 2 to 3 long feathers 5 to 7 inches
• 5 to 6 med feathers 3 to 4 inches
• 7 to 8 short feathers 1.5 to 2.5 inches
• Glue
• Small paper plate
• Old newspaper to protect work area
• Tweezers (optional)
• 2” x 3.5” white card (optional)

1. 
   Best pine cones for your turkey

   Choose your pine cone carefully. == Ideally, you should choose a cone that is splayed open, so that you have space to insert the feathers and pipe cleaner. Note the pine cone in the forefront of the photo. It’s closed up and not suitable for this project. Save it to display in a bowl with other autumn cones, pods and leaves.

2. Find the pine cone’s best side. == Lay the pine cone on its side and turn to find it’s best position. In other words, you want the most rounded side showing and the most stable position so your turkey doesn’t lean over when you’re finished.

3. 
   Feathers for your turkey decoration

   Separate your feathers. == Arrange them by size so you’re not fumbling with them with sticky fingers when it comes time to glue them in.

4. Pour a small amount of glue onto the paper plate. == It will be much easier and faster to dip your feathers into the glue as opposed to squeezing it on each one.

5. Start from the rear of your turkey. == Take your longest feathers, one at a time and dip the quill end in glue. Work from the back or widest end of your pine cone and insert them right about in the middle. Your feathers should slide right in between the leaves of the cone and easily stick without your holding them in place. Add a couple med sized feathers on either side of the long feathers in the same row. Then move to the next row in front inserting the longest of your med feathers in the center, shorter feathers on either side of those. Continue with the short feathers in the same manner.

6. 
   Bend pipe cleaner as shown

   Make the head and neck. == Bend your pipe cleaner in half, then fold the ends at an approx. ¾ inch 90 degree angle. To make the turkey head, bend 1” of the folded end of the pipe cleaner opposite end approx 120 degrees forward. See photos. Dip the 90 degree angled ends in glue and insert about 1.5” back from the front of the cone.

7. 
   Wiggle eyes for turkey

   Attach the googly eyes. == Also known as wiggle eyes, dip the little eyes in the glue and place near the top of the bend on the turkey head. Tweezers are helpful for working with items this small. Voila! Your adorable pine cone turkey is complete!

8. 
   Thanksgiving Place card holder

   Use as a place card holder. == Guests love these and they can take them home as a souvenir. Take a 2” x 3.5” card in your color choice and fold lengthwise the lower ½”. Write the names of your guests on the cards and insert the card between the leaves of your pine cone turkey in front of his neck. Adjust card as needed for easy readability.

Tips & Warnings

• I usually go to parks and scour the neighborhood for fallen pine cones instead of buying them. If your area doesn’t have pine trees, most craft stores sell bags of pine cones.
• The amount of feathers indicated is only a guideline. Use as more or less as you see fit based on the size of your pinecone(s).
• Use brightly colored feathers and pipe cleaners if you wish!
• If making enough pine cone turkeys for place card holders, be sure to divvy up your feathers before hand to make sure you have enough to go around.
• If you love the smell of cinnamon, consider scented pine cones – store bought or make your own. Coat the cones with a spray on adhesive then immediately coat in cinnamon or other aromatic spice by shaking in a bag of it. Remember shake and bake?
• Pine cones can be sappy! Use rubbing alcohol to remove before you start working or after you get it on your fingers.
• If you choose to go with spice scented cones, be aware that the spices will “shed” and leave residue on your table and hands.

Resources

• More Thanksgiving decoration ideas

[urbanchristmas]

on 11/25/2009 Love it! Well written article with step by step instructions on how to make a turkey party favor. Neat idea for parties or for crafts for kids. 5* and recommend.

[eac913]

on 10/25/2009 Extremely cute. The kids will love this. 5*

[CCrock]

on 10/2/2009 This is a great idea! I've been looking for some fun fall crafts to do with my toddler and this looks perfect!

[showpup]

on 11/23/2008 Oh, this looks so adorable! You're right, they would make excellent name cards. A unique touch that your guests wouldn't soon forget. 5 stars and dugg. (recommended you, too) :)

[IFreelance]

on 11/18/2008 Very detailed.