Make a Mixed-Up Turkey Collage

What You Need:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Clear-drying, non-toxic glue or a glue stick
• Markers or crayons
• Cardboard (try reusing an old box)
• Paint and paintbrush (optional)

What You Do:

1. Cut a rectangle, at least 8" x 10", out of a cardboard box. This will be the background or base for the collage.
2. Optional: Use tempera paints and a thick bristled brush to paint the cardboard. Try a Thanksgiving inspired color such as orange, yellow, brown, or red.
3. Draw a picture of a turkey onto a piece of construction paper. This can be realistic or cartoonish. Look through books or online for pictures of turkeys. 
4. Use the scissors to cut the turkey into a few different pieces. These will be put back together, so try to make the pieces medium-sized. Pieces that are too small may get lost, and large pieces may not have the same effect.
5. Have your child help you arrange the cut up turkey pieces onto the cardboard. Try rearranging them to look like an out of order puzzle. For example, place the wing near an eye or a foot near the beak.
6. Glue the rearranged pieces of paper onto the cardboard.
7. Set aside to dry.
8. Display your child's artwork to celebrate the season in an offbeat way!

This project is perfect for younger children, but it can easily be modified for older kids too. Little learners can brush up on cutting skills while they name shapes and body parts. Older children may enjoy learning about the history of collage and collage artists or may get more into the whole creation and design process.