More Thanksgiving Crafts for Young and Old

More Crafts for Older Grandkids~

My last blog was about an idea for older-age grands and a craft that was appropriate for their age. When we got together to make Navajo talking sticks, we also did some water color. I printed out "We Give Thanks" lists for place settings at our holiday table wherein each guest could record their list of blessings. 

Procedure~

I printed them out before the grands got to my house--two per 8x10 printer paper. Then the girls did a crayon-resist water color to embellish the sheets. They drew their own twig shape with colorful autumn leaves down the side. Then they gave each guest room to record their items of gratitude. I'm thinking this is also a good art activity for preschoolers as well. They could draw their leaves, turkeys, whatever holiday motif they wanted. Or they could keep with the same design and dip their fingertips in finger paint for finger-print leaves making them a great keepsake for parents, grandparents and others! 

So focused on her painting.

Let's see. . . I'm not sure if I'm satisfied with my shapes.

You get the idea~

They are placed at each setting for guests to write their list of things for which they are grateful. Once again I would like to repeat. Besides creating something to donate to the Thanksgiving traditions, they are spending some quality time with YOU, the grandparent. It's such a quiet, relaxing time...a great bonding time, and besides sharing ideas and traditions with your grandchildren, this blog is also about carving out some enriching time to spend with your grandchildren. As we hear time and again, seize the day!

Put at each place setting.

Now on to the little guys!

If your grands are even younger and you're searching for a craft they can make to decorate your table, there are a wealth of ideas online. You have only to do a search for "children Thanksgiving crafts" on Google or Pinterest. I found these charming Pilgrims at bellagreydesigns.com. 

Don't forget the Native Americans--they were honored guests at that first feast!

And more~

You can also use these cute pilgrims and Indians for puppets. They are perfect! Just add a rolled construction paper stick to the back and viola! You've got a great puppet. You can even drag out that puppet show curtain I blogged about on October 8, and have the grands put on a puppet show after the feast. 

Just tape a rolled construction paper stick to the back for stick puppets.

Behind the puppet curtain.

Final thoughts~

I've heard it said and I'm sure you have too--the Thanksgiving holiday is really the BEST! No presents to buy, no tree to put up, no rushing around. Just a wonderful meal and time spent with family and grandchildren. 

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." William Arthur Ward

The website for these charming pilgrims:

​www.bellagreydesigns.com/2012/11/thanksgiving-crafts.html

And another~ (This one actually has a pattern.)

​booksandgiggles.com/2015/11/toilet-roll-pilgrims.html/