Cereal box turkeys

I think this cereal box project has been the most fun for me. This is the 3rd in my Cereal Box Cut-outs series. First, game. Second, mobile. Now, Thanksgiving turkeys.

Materials:
Cereal box circles (or boxes and circle cutter)
glue (glue stick or craft glue)
small cardboard or foam core scraps
scissors
popsicle sticks

I set out all of my cut circles and began layering to create colorful little turkeys, not gluing until I was satisfied with the overall appearance. Experiment with the front and backsides of the cereal boxes, patterns and solids, so as not to have too many competing patterns or like colors on top of each other.
Place a large circle in back, cutting off the bottom and making slits around the rest to form the tail feathers. Choose smaller circles for the body, one or layer two. Cut one circle in half for the wings. Use the smallest circles for the head and wattle. (Sidenote: It surprised me to see how many people have googled "What's the name for that red dangly thing on a turkey's neck?")
Cut little eyes and a beak.
For added dimension, layer small pieces of cardboard or foam core board between some of the body parts. See the middle picture above.
Once you're satisfied with your design, glue.
Glue a popsicle stick on the back and poke your turkey into a plant, centerpiece (make a bunch for an all turkey centerpiece), bowl of candy or cranberries, your baked sweet potatoes, whatever.
For clip-on turkeys and turkey napkin rings, see my corresponding Cereal Box Cut-outs, Part 3: Thanksgiving turkeys post at Blissful Kids.

Thanksgiving Placemats

We are thankful this year to have had my mom with us for Thanksgiving. Besides cooking some delicious dishes for our big meal, we managed to craft lovely Thanksgiving day placemats.
We each made our own and the kids are really enjoying having their own personal placemat.

To make your own Thanksgiving placemats:
1. Buy posterboard and cut into 12" x 16" rectangles.
2. Cut out these turkeys (non-accordion style) and these leaves.
3. Set out colored pencils/crayons, glue sticks, and construction paper. Color and glue your turkeys and leaves onto construction paper and draw some pictures of things you are thankful for or things that seem seasonal (or things completely unrelated).
4. Lightly mount the completed drawings, collages, additional shapes, etc. onto the posterboard (glue stick was fine).
5. Cut 2 pieces of clear contact paper a couple inches wider and longer than your posterboard. Peel one open and lay your posterboard on it. Peel the second open and, working with another person, carefully lay down on your posterboard from one end to the other, smoothing as you go.

(Update: This could be adapted for any holiday. Just change your colors, shapes, etc. See our examples of Christmas and Valentine's Day here.)