Are up for a new printable Thanksgiving craft? Today I’ve got you a turkey craft, but not just any turkey craft – this 3D paper turkey turns into a DIY napkin ring, making it a cute and practical addition to your Thanksgiving table. Kids will love creating their own turkey, with its little pilgrim hat, then proudly setting it on the table for everyone to enjoy.

* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure to learn more.

A Winning Thanksgiving Turkey Craft 

There are lots of turkey crafts and great Thanksgiving ideas out there, but the printable turkey we’ll make today gets extra points. Here’s why:

• Simple and Easy: I kept the design straightforward, with large and clear outlines, so it’s easy for kids to color, cut, and fold on their own.
• Ready to Go in Minutes: Just print the template and gather a few basic craft supplies you likely already have.
• Coloring + Crafting: The combination of coloring and assembling levels up the busy time. Kids can add their own colors and details, making the turkey uniquely theirs.
• Clever 3D Design: This turkey has a 3D design with a wide, fanned tail, flapping wings, and a solid base to make it stand upright. It’s fun to see the flat template turning into a three dimensional item, not to mention the delight of displaying it as a DIY Thanksgiving decoration!

And here is one more nice thing about this craft: It’s a freebie! I share the printable template exclusively with my newsletter subscribers, so if you are a subscriber, watch your mailbox for the email with this turkey craft template.

If you are not a subscriber yet, you can get the free template for this craft through the sign-up form at the end of this post.

How to Make Your Turkey Napkin Ring

Ready to start making this Thanksgiving turkey craft with your kids? Let’s jump right to it!

What you’ll need*:

• Turkey Napkin Ring Template (fill the box at the end of this page to download it)
• Cardstock for printers (you can also use regular paper)
• Coloring tools (I used alcohol based markers)
• Scissors
• Glue (I use this glue stick)
• Ruler (optional)

* Includes Amazon affiliate links

Steps:

1. Print the free template, available to my newsletter subscribers through the sign-up box below. Use cardstock for a sturdier result.

2. Color the pieces using your favorite coloring tools. Alcohol-based markers work well for smooth, vibrant coverage.

3. Cut along the solid lines to separate each part.

4. Glue the matching head pieces back-to-back so the illustrated sides face out.

5. Find both pieces of the pilgrim’s hat and fold along the dashed lines to create the brim.

Tip: For easier folding, place a ruler along the dashed line, then fold the paper over it.

6. Glue the hat pieces back-to-back with the head sandwiched between them, covering the dotted area on the turkey’s head. Leave the brim unglued so it pops to the sides. Make sure the hat buckle points to the beak.

7. Fold the turkey’s body in half along the central dashed line, folding outwards so the line stays outside the fold.

8. Fold the tail flaps inward along the dashed lines. These flaps will support the tail later.

9. Fold the dashed lines on each side of the turkey’s thighs, folding inwards so the lines stay inside the fold.

10. Fold the remaining dashed lines on the body piece outwards, keeping the lines visible.

11. Flip the body so the illustrated side is facing down. Spread glue in the middle area, between the central fold and the two folds of the thighs (see the picture). Keep the glue away from other areas to let turkey’s legs can split up.

12. Before gluing the body sides, tuck the neck end between them. Make sure the head is straight, then press the body sides together to secure.

13. Close up the turkey’s body: spread glue on the ‘glue tab’ and attach it to the opposite side, creating a rectangle that helps the turkey stand upright.

14. Glue the matching tail pieces back-to-back with the illustrated sides facing out.

15. Spread glue on the tail flaps of the body and attach the tail to them.

16. Fold each wing’s ‘glue tab’ outwards along the dashed line. Apply glue to the tabs and attach each wing to the body, with the feathered ends facing backward.

And there you have it! Your paper turkey is ready for Thanksgiving. Now you can slide a napkin through the rectangular base, and your unique DIY Thanksgiving table decor is complete!

More Thanksgiving Freebies

I’ve got more lovely Thanksgiving ideas for you. Take a look at these freebies:

• Printable Thanksgiving Table Setting Kit: This kit has a silverware holder, napkin ring, and straw topper, all decorated with adorable Thanksgiving characters from my Thanksgiving Clipart Set (available in my shop). Kids can help set up the table with these cute details, and it’s a fun way for them to feel involved in the holiday.

• Printable Thanksgiving Gift Tags: Six beautiful, fall-themed gift tags that print in minutes! They make any gift or place setting extra special and are perfect for Thanksgiving tables.

• DIY Thanksgiving Cards: Get the printable materials for making gorgeous DIY Thanksgiving cards, plus my detailed instructions for how to craft them.

I hope these Thanksgiving crafts and printables will bring you lots of joy! And don’t forget to grab your printable Turkey Napkin Ring template through the sign-up box below:

 

* All the free printables in my website are for personal, non-commercial use. Please always share them with a link and credit. Thanks!