This printable turkey template makes an easy paper turkey craft! Plus, it introduces kids to rubbings—one of the oldest printmaking techniques. It’s a creative way to explore texture and color while celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with fun and easy turkey art.
Turkey Craft for Kids
When you rub crayons or oil pastels over a textured surface, you create a pattern that can be used to decorate your turkey feathers. You can also try this with leaf rubbings or explore more turkey art projects here.
Field: Visual Art – Printmaking and Texture
Grades: Pre-K–3
Concepts Explored: Texture, Line, Shape, Pattern, Color, and Repetition
- What kinds of textures did you find today?
- How do texture and color change how your artwork looks?
- Which feather design do you like the most and why?
Supplies for Your Printable Turkey Craft
- Free turkey craft template (download below)
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Colored paper or cardstock
- Oil pastels or crayons
- Markers
- Textured materials (cardboard, fabric, leaves, coins, sandpaper, lace, etc.)
How to Make a Turkey Craft Step-by-Step
💡 Art Tip: Incorporate this project when teaching the element of texture or as part of a fall or Thanksgiving art unit.
STEP 1: Print the free turkey template on white paper or cardstock.
STEP 2: Collect textured objects to use for your rubbings. Firm or bumpy textures work best.
STEP 3: Place the paper over each texture and rub with an oil pastel or crayon to create feather patterns.
STEP 4: Try a different color or texture for each feather to make your turkey bright and unique.
STEP 5: Color the turkey’s body using markers or crayons.
STEP 6: Cut out all the parts and glue them together to form your turkey on a colorful background.
STEP 7 (Optional): Write something you’re thankful for on each feather for a gratitude art activity.
Download the Free Turkey Craft Template
👉 Click here to download the free printable turkey template
This printable includes:
- Full turkey outline for coloring and cutting
- Feather templates for texture rubbings
- Mini turkeys for group projects or classroom sets
Use the printable turkey pattern for art lessons, bulletin boards, Thanksgiving decorations, or fine motor activities.
More Free Printable Templates for Kids
Add to your seasonal art lessons with these free printable craft templates:
- Apple Template
- Pumpkin Template
- Leaf Template
- Turkey in Disguise Template
- Snowman Template
- Christmas Tree Template
- Snowflake Template
More Thanksgiving Crafts to Try
Explore even more turkey craft ideas using our printable templates and art projects:
- Picasso Turkey Art Project
- Murakami Turkey Disguise Craft
- Coffee Filter Turkey Art
- Thanksgiving Zentangle
- Textured Pumpkin Art with Fabric Scraps
- Turkey in a Deck of Cards Disguise
Printable Thanksgiving Packs for Kids
Visit our SHOP for easy-to-print art, STEM, and science lesson plans for the whole year. Or join us in the Little Bins Club.
More Fun Turkey Crafts
You can find all our turkey crafts here!
