Paint a Thanksgiving turkey wooden sign on an old fan blade to welcome the holiday. It's an easy DIY and super cute, too.
And I am so glad I did.
Now I know what you're thinking.
There's tons to do for the big day, how will I ever be ready when I squandered my time crafting instead of cooking?
Well, don't you worry, I just will.
I'm a pretty laid back holiday gal. I don't fret about the perfect pie or the perfect place setting. I just do what I can at my own pace and somehow, some way, it all gets done. The holidays are much more enjoyable that way.
I remember my own mom racing to the finish line every Thanksgiving, up until two or three in the morning preparing things and then up again at six to put the turkey in the oven. She dreaded the day and collapsed once the guests cleared out.
I can't do that or rather, I choose not to do that. I still prepare all the requisite dishes and bake our traditional desserts, but I do it in batches, with some crafting in between. It's frankly the best part of the holiday for me.
Well, that and the pie. Pie is very good, too.
Here's how I made the Thanksgiving turkey sign, in case you want to craft while you cook.
I grabbed one of my fan blades and started by sketching out a design on paper. Remember, you don't have to be an artist to make something fabulously artistic. My pattern is something I would've had my kindergarteners draw. Find your inner kid and go...
Next, I drew that same design on the fan blade in pencil.
That was the hardest part. The rest was just a matter of filling in my drawing with paint. Coloring is much easier than stenciling, in my opinion. I used regular craft paint and a variety of small and medium bristle brushes.
I was going to use the pencil eraser trick for the eyes like I did on my Christmas fan blades, but I ended up using a brush instead. I added details over the paint, with a pencil, when necessary. I improvised as I went along.
I used a negative space technique on this Tom Turkey since the board was already brown, the faux wood grain looked a bit like feathers. I used a very light brown to define his body shape, but then wiped most of it off and added more feathers instead.
Lastly, I added the details to give him a little personality and with a gold paint pen, I wrote the words, GIVE THANKS, on the bottom for some seasonal flair.
To hang my sign, I looped ribbon through the fan holes at the top of the blade and then made a bow and hot glued it on.
All in all, I am very happy with the way this Thanksgiving wooden sign turned out. Like the rest of my projects, it was very cheap to make, super simple to paint (no fancy artwork or tools required) and done in no time flat.
I had time to paint a turkey before I have to cook a turkey.
And what could be better than that?
Gobble, Gobble!!
Hey! Speaking of Thanksgiving, I would like to say, once again, just how enormously grateful I am for each and every one of you, my dear readers. I started writing, because I was hoping to inspire people to try crafting and DIY projects, regardless of their skill level.
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that so many people would come by to see what I had to say and that I would be conversing and building friendships with people from all over the world.
But it happened...and every now and then someone will send me a photo of what they made based off something that I shared here. It's a true gift.
My sweet friend Amalia, did just that this week. She and her niece turned my sock angel ornaments into dolls and they are just darling. You must run over to see them and check out Amalia's great observations about kids. I keep telling her she needs to write a book. I am sure you'll agree when you see out her darling creations and their stories.
Well ~ that's all folks! If you live in the states, Happy Thanksgiving...and if not, I hope you have a lovely week.
❤️
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| Give Thanks Embroidery |
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| Glittered Pumpkins |
The turkey fan blade is adorable!!! Glad you take a laid back approach to the holidays I too feel it is the way to go. The day will come and it all will get done.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Happy Thanksgiving.
Kris
Thanks Kris…and yes, absolutely. Low key and it will all get done. Haven’t had a Thanksgiving yet with out food!! 😉
DeleteAnother very cute idea for fan blades! I saw some at a yard sale this summer and passed them by not to add another project to the pile. UGH! No turkey for me! Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteThanks AnnMarie! At this point I think I have enough to make something for every holiday and I feel compelled to use them all up! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteYou always come up with something from pretty much nothing! I'm really taking it easy this year. My daughter is bringing me a plate of food on Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
We’re doing a smaller holiday this year, too. I wish you a wonderful day with your pups!
DeleteHello Kim, that is just the cutest turkey sign you made. How unique and I love it. Yes it's wonderful that Amalia made your angels!
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy Thanksgiving.
Julie
Thanks Julie! Isn't Amalia talented? I was just so excited to see what she made. Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteThe fan blade turkey turned out great.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your craftiness!
Time to start thinking those kitchen tasks . . .
Enjoy a Hapoy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Lynne...and you're right! Let the cooking commence!! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteKim, you can definitely make art out of fan blades! So impressed! Love that you're laid back about holiday preparations. I strive for it. This year, it's just the 2 of us, so that's easy. When we have company, it's another story.
ReplyDeleteThanks Florence! I am determined to use up all of those fan blades!! Better than hunting for or paying for a board! Happy Thanksgiving!
DeleteLOOOVVEE THIS!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh Shelley, I'm thrilled that you like this!! That's what makes sharing all worth it! 😊
DeleteKim, you did a great job on that fan blade sign...it is just adorable! I am so thankful to have you in my life too. Who knew that when we all started this blogging journey that we would "meet" so many amazing people who have become so dear to us. I pray you have a very Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
ReplyDeleteFinding friends was the last thing I expected when I started writing, Debbie, but it's become the biggest blessing. I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend. 😊
DeleteThis is too cute! Love your little turkey.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi! I'm smitten with Tom. 😉
DeleteSeriously, Kim, you are so artistic you put me to such shame!!! I did let my creative juices flow this week, helping my daughter come up with ideas of ornaments to make for her nana & papa but other than that, my creativity flows best in the kitchen! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!!
ReplyDeleteI bet your ornament ideas were fabulous, Debbie. Your house is gorgeously decorated. You are a master gardener and a chef to be reckoned with…I’d say that was creativity if I ever saw it. Happy Thanksgiving! I’d love to be sitting at your table. 😊
DeleteSo very cute! I am going to use your idea about using vinyl words from the dollar store on signs, as gifts this year!
ReplyDeleteThat's my go to method, Deanna. They're so easy to do and retain their luster for years. I am getting ready to pull a few Christmas ones out now! I say go for it!
DeleteI LOVE your wooden turkey, Kim! You are so creative! And I loved your sock angels! But turning into dolls, they are amazing! Congratulations to your friend, too. Kisses!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Mia! This one was fun to paint!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI love your turkey. So well done. You are so creative!!
Have a blessed weekend,
Carla
Thanks you Carla! I hope your Thanksgiving was just divine!
DeleteP.S. Hi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI just read Amalia post. I loved what she wrote for #4! So true. She is so fun with her poems. Blogland buddies do make the world a happy place.
xx oo
Carla
She is an amazingly creative person, isn't she? She makes me smile every time I visit her blog. The best!
DeleteI love this and the fact that you do not have it centered makes it all the more interesting. Happy Thanksgiving Kim. I hope you had a wonderful day. We ate way too much!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary, I drew it out first to be sure! Glad you had a fabulous Thanksgiving!
DeleteI love it! You always do a great job with your crafting. You inspire me!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! You are truly too kind...
DeleteHow nice of you to feature me, Kim, and to be so supportive. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, I'm sure that fantastic sign featured in a place of honor. I'm almost tempted to take the ceiling fan down :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Amalia, it was my pleasure to share your blog and your amazing crafts. You always make me smile and your comments keep me laughing...like this one. ❤️
DeleteVery nice. I love how the feathers and accessories define the body without having to paint it. The woodgrain peeking thru makes for a very nice turkey body.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lorri! I tried to get creative with this one. I’m glad you like it! 😊 And I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
DeleteI love your blog . you did a great job.Thanks for sharing.
DeleteThank you!
Delete