With the holidays on the way, the beginning of autumn heralds warm feelings and a rush to begin preparation for Thanksgiving festivities. One of the simplest and sweetest places to start with your to-do list is sending out Thanksgiving greeting cards. Here is your go-to guide to creating easy DIY Thanksgiving cards.
How To Make A Thanksgiving Card
Thanksgiving usually guarantees there will be at least three kinds of potatoes and two kinds of pie. The smell of a homemade feast instantly places one with family at the dinner table. For loved ones who are far away, a homemade Thanksgiving card can share that same feeling until you can be present for the holiday.
Some people may think that making handmade Thanksgiving cards is an activity solely reserved for children. Still, it is a wonderful activity that the whole family can take part in, as well as a gesture your loved ones will enjoy.
A DIY Thanksgiving card design can be simple and elegant, or it can be fun, wild, and colorful. Let the card capture the spirit of your family. Consider all the materials you have at hand, whether in your craft area or outdoors. Here are a few easy ideas to get you started.
Fingerprint Fall Leaves Branch Thanksgiving Cards
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Imagine receiving a Thanksgiving card with fall “leaf” fingerprints on a branch. If that made you smile, you’ll need several sheets of sturdy bright colored cardstock or linen paper for a more rustic feel to complete this project. After folding the piece of paper in half to your preferred size, cut a branch out of brown paper, and use a glue stick to secure it to the front of the card. Allow your child to dip a finger in craft paint or press a finger into an ink pad. Then, press that finger down at the tip of the branch to make a leaf. Each member of the family should create their own leaves around the branch. Let the paint dry, write your message inside, and send it off to your loved ones! |
Orange Button and Gourd Bead Pumpkin Thanksgiving Cards
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If you have stray buttons and beads lying around, this DIY Thanksgiving card project is a perfect way to make use of them. You’ll need a few orange buttons and various purple, orange, green, or yellow beads that resemble gourds. A metallic cardstock makes a striking background for the eclectic pumpkin patch and gourd garden you’ll soon assemble. Once you have folded the paper in half, secure the buttons and beads in a row at the bottom of the front of the card with strong wet glue. Let the glue dry before drawing in stems and leaves. Write “Happy Thanksgiving!” above the garden, as well as a message inside, and it is ready to go! |
Pop-Up Thanksgiving Cards
Nothing captures your attention when you open the mail like a pop-up Thanksgiving card. Here are a few easy ideas to get you started with making your own DIY Thanksgiving pop-up cards.
Pop-up Turkey Thanksgiving Card
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In place of the handprint turkey, you will use assorted bright color paper in orange, yellow, and brown to create an accordion pop-up turkey Thanksgiving card that expresses what each person in your family is grateful for. Use a bit of glue or double-sided tape to secure the cut and folded pieces, such as the brown body of the turkey and the yellow beak, and write down your expressions of gratitude. Find the full instructions to complete this craft at Scholastic. |
Pop-Up Autumn Glen Thanksgiving Card
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It’s one thing to make a turkey pop up, but another skill to make an entire autumn glen pop up. You can do it, and so can the little ones. All you need is an assortment of bright color paper, including blue for the sky, and a few pieces of sturdier bright colored cardstock to ensure the durability and the “pop-ability” of the card.
Follow the thorough instructions from Artsy Craftsy Mom to create this DIY pop-up autumn glen thanksgiving card. You’ll begin by forming a secure structure as a base for the pop-up card, including the sky and ground. All it takes is a little cutting, paper folding, and gluing, with a few loose pop-up strips that will ensure that your trees stand. You’ll cut various sizes of yellow, orange, and red ovals to form your trees. The smaller pieces will be glued to the pop-up strips to pop up, and the bigger ovals will be glued to the blue paper that represents the sky. This gives the illusion of a foreground, middle ground, and background. Write your special message inside the card, once it dries, and it’s ready to go! |
Thanksgiving Place Cards
It’s easy to get caught up in making fun DIY Thanksgiving cards, but don’t let your paper go to waste! Take this time to make Thanksgiving name cards for your upcoming gathering. Here are a few crafty ideas to get you started.
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What To Write On A Thanksgiving Day Card
Your loved ones mean the world to you, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t struggle with word choice when it comes to writing a Thanksgiving greeting in your handmade cards. Some people prefer sentimental messages, and others love to share a laugh with funny Thanksgiving cards. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- We are so grateful to have you in our lives, and we look forward to spending the holiday with you.
- Though far away, you are right here in my heart. I’m going to bake our favorite cookies, so it’ll feel like you are here with me for Thanksgiving.
- May your heart be full of joy and your belly full of stuffing!
- Thanksgiving is my favorite excuse for gluttony and my happiest time of the year because I get to see you.
- What is the true meaning of Thanksgiving? It’s simply the day before Black Friday.
- Our family is blessed, and we welcome you as our special guest this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving preparation can be overwhelming, but all it takes is a sweet family tradition like hand-making DIY Thanksgiving cards to kick off the holiday season.