Looking to add a personal, glittery touch to your Thanksgiving decorations this year? You’re in for a treat! According to a recent survey, 79% of families say DIY holiday crafts are their favorite seasonal activity—and I totally get why. There’s something magical about gathering around the table, elbow-deep in dough and glitter, crafting little keepsakes that end up on mantels and trees for years. In this guide, we’ll dive into the full process of making sparkly salt dough turkey ornaments—kid-friendly, easy, and full of festive fun. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want to keep little hands busy, this craft is pure gold (and glitter).
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Alright, before we dive in elbows-deep, let’s talk supplies. Because nothing’s worse than realizing you forgot the salt in a salt dough recipe. Trust me—been there, done that, and let’s just say the “ornaments” turned into abstract art real fast.
This Thanksgiving craft for kids is all about simplicity, fun, and that cozy holiday vibe. So you won’t need anything fancy. Most of this stuff is probably already hiding in your pantry or junk drawer. Here’s what I grab every year when we make our glittery gobblers:
The Basics (No Gobble Without Dough!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – nothing fancy, just the cheap stuff.
- 1 cup salt – for structure and that nice sandy texture.
- 1 cup warm water – not cold, not boiling. Just warm enough to mix easy.
Mix those together and you’ve got the holy trinity of a foolproof DIY salt dough recipe. If the dough feels too sticky, toss in more flour. Too dry? Add water a tablespoon at a time.
Kitchen Tools (a.k.a. Craft Weapons)
- Rolling pin – or an empty wine bottle if you’re resourceful like me.
- Parchment paper – makes cleanup so much easier.
- Turkey cookie cutter – but honestly, I’ve used a round glass and carved the feathers by hand before.
- Straw or toothpick – for poking the hole so they hang up cute later.
Decoration Essentials
- Acrylic paints – brown, red, orange, gold… anything fall-colored.
- White glue – good ol’ Elmer’s works fine.
- Fine glitter – gold is a must, but red and copper look amazing too.
- Mod Podge or clear spray sealant – don’t skip this or you’ll leave glitter trails for days.
- Twine or ribbon – something rustic to thread through the top.
I usually set everything up assembly-line style, especially when my nieces are helping out. It makes this easy DIY Thanksgiving project feel a little less chaotic and a lot more fun. And pro tip: keep baby wipes nearby. Glitter gets everywhere—even places it shouldn’t.
Mixing and Preparing the Salt Dough
Okay, so this is where the magic starts. If you’ve ever wondered how to make salt dough, it’s kinda like making playdough—but a whole lot crunchier once it’s baked.
Start by dumping your flour and salt into a big ol’ bowl. I mean BIG. The first time I did this, I used a cereal bowl and made a ridiculous mess. Live and learn, right?
Slowly pour in the warm water while stirring. I used to dump it all in at once, but it turns into a sticky, goopy mess if you rush it. Patience is key here. Once it starts clumping together, I ditch the spoon and go in with my hands. It feels weirdly therapeutic. Like squishing stress out between your fingers.
Knead that dough on a floured surface for 5 to 7 minutes. I usually set a timer because otherwise I cut it short and regret it when the dough cracks later. You’re aiming for smooth, soft, and pliable. Not sticky. Not crumbly. If it’s sticking to your hands like gum, dust in some flour. If it’s falling apart like dry sand, a little more warm water will fix it.
This step makes all the difference, especially for easy Thanksgiving crafts for kids. The better the dough, the easier it is to cut and shape. And let’s be real—kids don’t have the patience for crumbly dough drama.
Once you’ve got the texture just right, you’re ready to roll (literally). Flatten it out to about a quarter or half inch thick. I don’t measure—just eyeball it and hope for the best. Consistency matters more than perfection here.
Honestly, this part of the process is low-key my favorite. Something about turning three pantry staples into something you can actually paint and hang on a tree? Kinda magical.
Ready to make those turkeys come to life? Let’s get cutting.
Shaping and Cutting the Turkey Ornaments
Now that your dough is ready to go, it’s time for the fun part—transforming it into turkeys! This is where kids can get creative, and honestly, even grown-ups start getting into it. Whether you’ve got a cookie cutter or not, making these ornaments is super doable.
Use a Turkey Cookie Cutter (or Improvise!)
If you have a turkey-shaped cutter, you’re already ahead. Just press it into the dough and lift gently. But hey, if you’re missing the cutter (like I usually am), don’t panic. Grab a round glass for the body and use a butter knife to carve out feather shapes. It’s surprisingly easy and makes for a more handmade vibe—think rustic Thanksgiving charm.
Don’t Skip the Hanging Hole
Before baking, make sure to poke a hole near the top of each turkey. A straw works best, but a toothpick or skewer can do the trick too. This hole is what you’ll use to hang them later, and forgetting it means you’re either drilling post-bake (not fun) or hot-gluing string (ask me how I know…).
Let the Kids Take Over
If you’re doing this with little ones, let them go wild with their designs. Some of my favorite keepsakes are the totally wacky ones—like the turkey that looked more like a dragon. That’s the charm of Thanksgiving crafts for preschoolers: it’s about creativity, not perfection.
Space Them Out on the Baking Sheet
As you shape your turkeys, lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give them a bit of room—about an inch apart—so they don’t merge into a turkey blob. Trust me, it’s happened.
This is the stage where it all starts to come together. You’ll look at the tray full of turkeys and think, “Yep, this was totally worth the mess.” Let’s get them in the oven and see what happens next.
Baking the Ornaments to Perfection
Alright, your turkeys are shaped and ready for the oven! Now it’s time to dry them out so they last for years. This part takes some time, but it’s totally hands-off—perfect for cleaning up glitter and flour while you wait.
Set Your Oven Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). You don’t want to rush this step. If the temp’s too high, your ornaments might puff up or crack, which is no fun after all that shaping.
Bake for 2 to 3 Hours
Place your turkey ornaments in the oven on the parchment-lined sheet. Let them bake for 2 to 3 hours, depending on thickness. I usually set a timer for 90 minutes, flip them gently, then go for another 60–90 minutes. They should feel hard and dry all the way through.
Patience Pays Off
I once got impatient and cranked the oven up to 350°F. Big mistake. The turkeys puffed up like biscuits and looked like they were about to explode. Stick with low and slow—it’s the only way to get that perfect finish.
Let Them Cool Completely
After baking, pull the tray out and let the ornaments cool completely on a wire rack or the counter. They’ll continue to harden a bit as they cool, and this will make painting way easier later.
This step really locks in your work and turns those soft little dough blobs into long-lasting Thanksgiving DIY crafts. Next up—painting and adding sparkle!
Decorating with Paint, Glitter, and Details
Now we’re getting to the part everyone loves—adding color, sparkle, and personality! This is where your turkeys go from “flour creatures” to actual ornaments worthy of hanging. And if you’re crafting with kids, this step always ends with big smiles and a whole lot of glitter everywhere.
Start with a Base Coat
Begin by painting the body of each turkey with brown acrylic paint. Don’t worry if the coverage isn’t perfect—these are rustic by nature! I like to do a quick coat and let it dry before moving on to details.
Colorful Fall Feathers
Here’s where it gets fun. Use warm fall shades like red, orange, gold, and yellow for the feathers. You can blend colors for a more realistic feather look or go bold and blocky—it’s your turkey, your rules.
Bring on the Glitter!
While the paint is still tacky or after brushing on a little glue, sprinkle glitter generously over the feathers. Gold is my go-to, but copper and red glitter also pop beautifully. Shake off the excess and watch your glitter turkey craft come to life. Warning: you will find glitter in your sink for the next week, but it’s so worth it.
Add the Facial Details
Paint the beak yellow or orange, the wattle red, and use white and black paint for the eyes. I’ve also used tiny googly eyes before—super cute and the kids love it.
Let Everything Dry Fully
Lay your turkeys flat and let them dry completely before handling. I usually let them sit overnight just to be safe.
This stage turns your project into a true Thanksgiving art project for kids. Every ornament is different, and the personal touches make them extra special. Once they’re dry, it’s time for the final step—sealing and displaying your masterpieces!
Sealing and Displaying Your Ornaments
You’ve made it this far—don’t skip the final touches! Sealing and displaying your ornaments is what turns a kid’s craft into a lasting keepsake. It also helps your turkeys survive more than one holiday season (and stay glitter-free).
Seal the Paint and Glitter
Once everything’s dry, give each ornament a good coat of Mod Podge or clear spray sealant. This step keeps the glitter in place and protects the paint from scratches or moisture. If you’re using Mod Podge, brush it on with a foam brush and let it dry fully. For spray sealant, take them outside or near a window for good ventilation.
Add Ribbon or Twine
Grab some rustic twine, jute, or a festive ribbon and thread it through the hole you made earlier. Tie a simple loop or bow—whatever fits your style. I love using deep red or gold ribbon for a real Thanksgiving vibe.
Creative Display Ideas
Wondering how to display handmade ornaments? You’ve got options! Try:
- Hanging them on a mini Thanksgiving tree
- Tying them to napkin rings or table place cards
- Adding them to a fall wreath or garland
- Using them as gift tags for holiday presents
These DIY Thanksgiving decorations bring personality and warmth to any space, and they’re always conversation starters. Plus, kids feel proud seeing their creations front and center.
That’s it—your sparkly salt dough turkeys are officially ready to shine. Let’s wrap things up!
And there you have it—your very own flock of sparkly salt dough turkey ornaments! Whether they’re slightly lopsided or covered in way more glitter than you intended, each one is a little reminder of the laughter and love that go into Thanksgiving craft ideas like this.
This isn’t just about making decorations—it’s about creating moments. Every year, when I pull these out of the box, I remember tiny hands covered in glue, glitter on the dog’s tail, and the smell of salt dough baking while pumpkin pie cooled nearby. These DIY holiday keepsakes are pure heart and nostalgia.
So if you’re looking for simple family Thanksgiving activities that everyone can enjoy, this one’s a winner. It’s easy, affordable, and 100% mess-approved.
Loved this project? Share it on Pinterest and help other families make their own glitter-filled memories this Thanksgiving!
