Turkey Handprint Craft Free Printable

Thanksgiving crafts don’t need to be complicated, and this little turkey handprint activity is about as easy as it gets. You can print the turkey out, grab some paint and let the kids use their handprints to make all of those lovely colorful turkey feathers.

I really like this one for younger kids because their handprints become part of the picture, so it’s a cute little keepsake too. You could even do one each Thanksgiving and see how much those little hands have grown from one year to the next.

Why We Love This Turkey Handprint Craft

• It’s really easy to set up. Just print the turkey, grab some paint and you’re pretty much ready to go.
• There’s hardly any prep involved. Always a bonus when you want something fun to do without spending ages getting everything ready first.
• It’s great for little ones. They can get stuck in with the paint and don’t need to worry about making everything look perfect.
• It makes a lovely keepsake. I love anything with little handprints on, especially when you can look back later and see how tiny their hands were.
• You can make it your own. Stick with traditional fall colors or let the kids choose whatever colors they fancy.
• It’s a nice Thanksgiving activity at home or in the classroom. You don’t need loads of supplies and everyone ends up with their own slightly different turkey.

Free Turkey Handprint Craft Printable

You can grab the free turkey handprint printable below. There are two pages included, so you can print them both out and let the kids add their handprint feathers to each turkey.

I’d recommend printing onto white cardstock if you have some, especially if you’re using quite a bit of paint, but regular printer paper will work too.

FREE TURKEY HANDPRINT PRINTABLE

What You’ll Need

You really don’t need much for this one, which is always a bonus! You’ll just need:

• Turkey handprint printable – Download and print the free template above.
• White paper or cardstock – Regular printer paper is fine, but cardstock will hold up a little better with the paint.
• Washable kids’ paint – Red, orange and yellow work really well for those Thanksgiving colors, but use whatever you already have.
• Paintbrush – For brushing the paint onto little hands without getting quite as much everywhere.
• Paper plate or paint palette – Just something to put your different paint colors onto.
• Baby wipes or a damp cloth – I’d definitely have these within reach before you start!

How to Make a Turkey Handprint Craft

Once you’ve got everything ready, this is really simple to do. I’d definitely have those wipes nearby though, especially with younger kids!

1. Print the turkey printable. Print out the free turkey template above onto white paper or cardstock.
2. Choose your paint colors. Add a little red, orange and yellow paint (or whichever colors you’re using) to a paper plate or paint palette.
3. Paint your child’s hand. Use a paintbrush to cover the palm and fingers with a thin, even layer of paint.
4. Make the first handprint. Press their painted hand onto the page around the turkey, then carefully lift it straight back up.
5. Add more feathers. Repeat with the other colors, placing the handprints around the turkey to create a big colorful tail. You can overlap them a little as you go.
6. Leave it to dry. Once you’re happy with your turkey feathers, leave the picture somewhere flat until the paint is completely dry.

Tips for Making Your Turkey Handprint Picture

• Don’t use too much paint. A thin layer is usually enough and you’ll get a much clearer handprint without paint squishing out everywhere.
• Paint their hand rather than dipping it. I find it much easier to control how much paint you’re using this way.
• Turn the paper as you go. It’s much easier than trying to get little arms and hands into awkward positions around the turkey.
• Overlap the handprints a little. This helps make the turkey’s tail look nice and full.
• Mix up the colors. Red, orange and yellow give you those lovely Thanksgiving colors, but there are no rules! Let the kids choose their own if they want to.
• Have wipes ready before you start. Paint-covered hands have a habit of touching absolutely everything the second you look away!
• Add their name and the date. If you’re keeping it as a Thanksgiving keepsake, it’s worth adding their age too. You’ll be glad you did when you pull it out again in a few years.

Ways to Customize Your Turkey Handprint Craft

There are loads of little ways you can make your turkey different, so I’d just let the kids have some fun with it. They definitely don’t have to stick to the traditional Thanksgiving colors either!

• Try different paint colors. Go for pink, purple, blue, green or even a rainbow turkey.
• Add some glitter. A little glitter glue on the feathers would look really cute once the paint has dried.
• Write what they’re thankful for. Older kids could write something they’re thankful for on each of their handprint feathers.
• Add their name and age. This turns it into a lovely little Thanksgiving keepsake to bring out again in future years.
• Decorate around the turkey. Add leaves, pumpkins, stickers or anything else they fancy to fill up the page.
• Use fingerprints too. Dip fingertips into different paint colors to add little dots and patterns around the turkey.
• Make one every year. It would be really sweet to keep them and see how much those little handprints grow each Thanksgiving.

Turkey Handprint Craft FAQs

What age is this turkey handprint craft suitable for?

This is a lovely Thanksgiving craft for toddlers, preschoolers and younger elementary-aged kids. Little ones will probably need some help getting the paint onto their hands and positioning their handprints, while older kids can pretty much get on with it themselves.

What paint is best for a turkey handprint craft?

Washable kids’ paint is definitely what I’d go for, especially when you’re painting little hands! Tempera or poster paint should work well and is easy to clean up afterwards.

Can I make this turkey handprint craft with a toddler?

Yes! It’s a really simple Thanksgiving activity for toddlers because there’s no cutting or complicated crafting involved. You might want to do the painting and guide their hand onto the paper, then let them enjoy the messy bit.

Should I print the turkey handprint printable on paper or cardstock?

Either will work. Regular printer paper is absolutely fine, but cardstock is a little sturdier and tends to hold up better once you start adding wet paint.

What colors should I use for turkey handprint feathers?

Red, orange and yellow are perfect if you want traditional fall and Thanksgiving colors. You could add brown or green too, or forget the traditional colors completely and let the kids make a bright rainbow turkey instead.

How do you make turkey feathers with handprints?

Paint your child’s palm and fingers, then press their hand onto the printable around the turkey. Repeat this several times, changing the direction and color of the handprints as you go, until the turkey has a big fan of feathers around it.

Can I use the free turkey handprint printable more than once?

Yes, you can print another copy whenever you want to do the activity again. It’s handy if you have more than one child making a turkey or want to make it again next Thanksgiving.

Can kids decorate the turkey handprint printable without paint?

Absolutely. If you don’t fancy getting the paints out, kids could color the turkey and add feathers with crayons, markers, stickers, fingerprints or even pieces of colored paper instead.