Thanksgiving and Fall Crafts

Decorating for fall can be fun and entertaining both for adults and children, and even more so when you make the decorations  yourself. Creating your own fall  and Thanksgiving decorations  is inexpensive, fun, and entirely unique, not to mention that it's a great family activity that gets the creative juices flowing. Fall crafts  can range from a cornucopia  concoction to a maize  masterpiece. The sky is the limit!

Popular Themes

Cornucopias  A cornucopia dates back to the dawn of civilization. Also known as a horn of plenty, it symbolizes prosperity and abundance.  You can make your own with a horn shaped wicker basket.   Cornucopia Vegetable Cornucopia Flower Cornucopia	Turkeys  There are many ways to depict the unofficial mascot of Thanksgiving.  Kids are sure to enjoy creative turkey craft activities. Paper Maple Leaf Turkey Pinecone Turkey Craft Set  Gourd Turkey Craft Kit	Leaves and Acorns  Leaf and acorn projects are a fun way to use the abundant fall foliage for arts and crafts. Wreath Projects Fall Leave Rubbings	Football  Football is as American as Thanksgiving and apple pie.  So make sure you have the right decorum before your next Super Bowl party. Super Bowl Projects Football Team Placemats	Scarecrows  Even if you don't own a farm, building a scarecrow is a fun way to add to the neighborhood fall spirit.   Building a Scarecrow Straw Scarecrow

Pumpkins  & Gourds   Nothing says fall like a big, smiling jack-o-lantern  or a classic gourd centerpiece.  Fall Centerpiece Quilt Project Gourd Bird House Pumpkin Carving Kit	Corn  Dried Indian corn is a colorful fall addition to any crafts project. Dried Corn Centerpiece Cornhusk Dolls	Native Americans  There is no better time to learn about Native American heritage than Thanksgiving, a time when pioneers and Indians shared their abundance. Making a Dream Catcher Making Moccasins	Pilgrims  Honor the Americans that celebrated the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Paper Plate Pilgrim Pilgrim Dolls	Apples  Apples come in a diverse array of fall colors, and make delicious centerpieces. Clay Pot Apple Apple Votives Fake Apples

Classic Crafts for Fall

Wreath Making Wreath making is something that is popular for crafters year-round. However, to make a wreath more fit for fall, you should choose items that reflect the tone of the season such as: Red, orange, and gold leaves  (silk,  real, craft,  or construction paper  cut-out for kids). Acorns  and pine cones.  Berries  and twigs. You might even use dried wild flowers.

Beading In spirit of the Native Americans, take up a beading needle,  some thread,  and the beads  of your choice. You can make earrings,  bracelets,  or necklaces.  You might decorate bags,  moccasins,  or a scarf.  You can even glue beads onto masks,  frames,  candlesticks,  or vases  to create a unique home décor item.

Project Ideas Online

On the Web you'll find there is a wide variety of fun craft projects to try. Here are just a few of the many popular crafts sites that offer ideas for sprucing up your home during the fall and particularly for Thanksgiving Day.

• Family Fun: Five projects to try, including a centerpiece, napkins, napkin holders, place cards, and favors.
• Better Homes and Gardens: Quick and easy crafts and ideas that kids can try. Check out the Cornucopia Centerpiece, Apple Candle Holders, Acorns and Oak Leaves Bread Basket, and the Golden Autumn Platter.
• HGTV: There are about 20 craft guides to choose from. Some that you might like are the Autumn Rose Centerpiece, Gourd Garlands, and Thanksgiving Leftovers Bags.
• Michael's Arts and Crafts Store: This site offers many how-tos for making wreaths, centerpieces, cornucopias, and floral arrangements.
• Woman's Day: Turkey fan ornaments.
• About.com: Pilgrims, turkeys, trivia and more.

Craft Kits for Kids

Buying a craft kit  that comes with all the essentials is an easy way to keep kids of all ages entertained. The following are just a few options.

Scarecrow Bucket  Kids can build a scarecrow bucket for holding candy or arts and crafts supplies.	Pilgrim Craft Kit  Pilgrim projects are fun and educational.	Thanksgiving Beaded Goblet Charm Craft  Thanksgiving charms are cute pieces of holiday flair your child can wear for the Thanksgiving party.	Flowerpot Scarecrow Craft Kit  Everybody loves an adorable scarecrow guarding your flowers.	Thanksgiving Craft Stamps  These are another fun educational tool kids will enjoy every year.

Just for Kids

• Danielle's Place: The Craft Stick Turkey Craft is a personal favorite.
• Kid's Domain: A pinecone turkey craft.
• Enchanted Learning: Everything Thanksgiving.