When it comes to Thanksgiving crafts and decorations, the turkey is an iconic symbol of the holiday. Wood turkey cutouts make for a classic decorative piece that can be displayed around the home during the fall season. From table centerpieces to wall hangings, painted and carved wood turkey cutouts are a fun DIY project for crafters.
In this article, we’ll look at different options for wood turkey cutouts and how to make your own for Thanksgiving.
Why Choose Wood?
Wood makes an ideal material for cutout turkeys. It provides a sturdy base that holds intricate shapes well. Wood cutouts can be painted or stained for extra decoration. Compared to paper or cardboard, wood cutouts are more durable for repeated holiday use.
Pine, birch maple, and basswood are common choices for wood cutouts. The grain patterns add visual interest. Basswood is soft and easy to carve, while pine has a nostalgic rustic look.
Buying Pre-Made Wood Turkey Cutouts
For those short on time, pre-made wood turkey cutouts can be purchased online or at craft stores. Amazon and other retailers offer a variety of sizes and wooden turkey poses.
Typically, the cutouts come unfinished so you can paint or stain them yourself. Large stand-up cutouts work well as lawn decorations, while smaller cutouts can adorn tablescapes. Prices range from $5 for simple shapes to $50 for more detailed carvings.
Making DIY Wood Turkey Cutouts
Crafty types may want to make their own wood turkey cutouts from scratch. You’ll need a wood board, jigsaw or scroll saw, sandpaper, wood glue, paint and brushes.
First, find turkey outline templates and trace onto the wood. Carefully cut out the shape with a saw. Sand edges smooth and glue on extra wood pieces for detailed feathers and other features.
Once the main shape is cut and assembled, paint your turkey in festive fall colors. Add decorative touches like faux wood grain, polka dots, or plaid patterns. Distress paint or add varnish for an antique look.
Carving 3D Sculpted Turkeys
Beyond flat cutouts, some crafters sculpt detailed 3D turkeys from wood. This involves carving shapes like the body, head, and tail feathers from wood blocks using gouges, knives, and chisels.
Sections can be carved separately then assembled and painted. This requires advanced woodworking skills but results in stunning works of art. Basswood and tupelo are ideal carving woods.
Displaying Wood Turkey Cutouts
Wood turkey cutouts make charming additions around the home for Thanksgiving. Here are some creative ways to display them:
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Lean a large cutout against the wall or prop on an easel.
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Hang cutouts in windows or from the ceiling.
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Arrange smaller cutouts down the center of the dining table.
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Place cutouts on the mantel or shelves with autumn decor.
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Use cutouts as place cards by adding nametags.
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Tie a cutout to a flower pot to dress up porch or patio.
Fun Variations
Beyond the classic standing turkey, cutouts can take other fun forms like:
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Turkeys wearing pilgrim hats
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Turkeys holding cornucopias
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Groups of turkeys
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Turkeys with messages like “Gobble Gobble”
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Turkeys on pieces of “barn wood”
Let your creativity fly! Wood offers a versatile canvas for all kinds of unique handmade turkey cutouts to display.
Wood turkey cutouts make timeless Thanksgiving decorations with a homemade feel. Crafty DIYers can create their own cutouts, or they can be purchased unfinished. Painting and distressing add personality. Display cutouts around the home or use them as table decorations. With a little creativity, wood cutouts can be transformed into turkeys with endless festive charm.
DOLLAR TREE TURKEY DIYs! Gobble Gobble Ideas for your Thanksgiving gathering!!
How to cook a cut-up Turkey?
To cook a cut-up turkey and make a perfect Thanksgiving feast, follow these steps: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the turkey: bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dip each piece of poultry into the mixture until it’s fully coated.
How do you cut a Turkey’s backbone?
To cut a Turkey’s backbone, use kitchen shears or a large, sharp knife. Make cuts from the neck end down each side of the backbone. This will require some effort, as you will be cutting through bone. Once you’ve reached the tail end of the turkey with both cuts, remove the backbone and set it aside.
How to cut a frozen turkey?
You’re going to need a power tool of some sort because a frozen turkey is essentially a huge block of ice. You could try a sawsall (reciprocating saw). Another option would be to go to your local butcher and ask them if they have a tool equal to the task and if they’re willing to do it for you.
How do you cut a turkey neck & head?
First, set the turkey neck/head perpendicular along the center of the small circle, centering the top of the head/neck inset 1/4 inch from the edge of the circle. Now, drill two holes through the back of the center circle and into the skinny side of the neck/head. (Click HERE to learn about pilot holes).
How do you make a turkey legs look like this?
Your turkey should look like this now. First, make pilot holes in the bottom of the legs, to avoid splitting the wood when you screw in the feet. Note: The smaller toes on the feet need to face towards the center of the turkey. Next, screw the feet onto the legs by screwing through the bottom of the feet…sorry for the fuzzy pic!
Can you make a Turkey with a paper plate?
Choose from the pages below if you’re looking to create a turkey beyond the “cut and glue” or “color only” approach. The ones below are turkey templates to be used with a pine cone, paper plate, and paper cup respectively. Enjoy! See a turkey above that you love but you want to swap out the feathers?