DIY Thankful Tree
This thankful tree craft is the perfect way to teach kids about gratitude, and it includes a free printable template that you can print out at home! Make it in the lead-up to Thanksgiving, or at any other time of year.
Servings: 1 tree
Ingredients
- 2 sheets regular printer paper
- free thankful tree template (request it by filling out the form below this printable how-to card)
- 5 sheets construction paper assorted colors
- 1 pair scissors
- 1 stick glue
- 1 pencil
- 1 marker
Instructions
- Print the template on regular printer paper (or draw your own tree and leaves), then use scissors to cut out all the shapes. Unless you have chosen to color in the leaves, you’ll only need to cut one of each type of leaf.
- Turning the shape so the printed lines face downward, use a stick of glue to glue the tree to a sheet of black construction paper (or another color of your choice).
- Use a pencil to trace 12 leaves onto colorful construction paper. (I made 3 red leaves, 3 orange leaves, 3 yellow leaves and 3 brown leaves.) Then, use scissors to cut out the shapes.
- Write a word on each leaf to describe something you are thankful for.
- Place a bit of glue on the back of each leaf—on the end that will be touching the tree branch—and press down to glue it to the tree. (It is normal for the tip of some of the leaves to go over the edge of the paper.)
Video
Notes
1. Coloring in the template: If you don't have construction paper, print the template on regular paper and color in the shapes using light-colored markers or wooden pencils.
2. Craft variations:
- Add more details: You can decorate the leaves or background, or add black lines and knots to the trunk to make the tree look more realistic.
- Add extra dimension: Try folding the end of the leaves that doesn't have glue to make the craft more three-dimensional.
- Change the colors: Instead of a black background, white tree and fall-hued leaves, try using a light background, a brown tree or different color palettes for the leaves.
- Face the lines downward: Add the glue to the side that has lines from printing or tracing, then face them downward to hide them and make the craft look neater.
- Add glue to one end: Only use glue on one end of the leaves—the end that comes in contact with the tree—to give the craft more texture and prevent the leaves that spill over from sticking to your table.
- Add extra leaves: The template has 12 branches and leaves, but you can trace and add more if desired.
- Print the template differently: When printing the template, reduce the print scale if you with to prevent the leaves from spilling over the sides. You can also trim construction paper to the right size for printing, and print the template directly on construction paper.
- Make it a group activity: This craft can be completed alone or as a group.