The Internet is filled with almost countless free Thanksgiving images that have terrific potential. They can be used to impart a traditional Thanksgiving feel on websites or blogs, or for one of my favorite things: Thanksgiving crafts. For example, making craft projects out of free vintage Thanksgiving postcards are no-brainers, because vintage images are versatile and also quite effective when it comes to delivering a message. These pictures also usually cost nothing to download and their use doesn’t have any repercussions because their age puts them beyond copyright protection.
Doing a quick Web search for “vintage Thanksgiving cards” will produce a large number of no-cost images from which many cool crafts projects can be made. And if you’re not a fan of vintage, contemporary free Thanksgiving clipart or autumn clipart can also produce great craft projects.
Here are some examples of simple projects virtually kids and teens can make by using free images found online:
* Thankful Garlands *
Making “thankful” garlands can be as uncomplicated as having guests or family members write their blessings on leaves cut from construction paper. Then, download and print an assortment of vintage Thanksgiving cards and using miniature clothespins, affix the vintage cards and the leaves, alternating them onto a piece of yarn or ribbon. If you don’t have any clothespins, you can use paper clips, colorful clamps you can get at the office supply store or tape to hold everything in place. If you want, you could also use contemporary Thanksgiving clip art instead of the cards to alternate with the leaves. Once finished, drape the garland over a windowsill or a mantelpiece so your guests can be proud of what they created!
* Handmade Thanksgiving Cards *
Once you’ve gone online and downloaded the image you would like to use, paste it into a Word, PowerPoint or OneNote document. You can make the card virtually whatever size you want using the software’s settings. Position the image on one half of the card, so it can be folded in half once it’s printed. Print the card on sturdy stock, fold it and use a little glitter glue to make it sparkle. You can also make your own envelopes or just get some at the dollar store.
* Thanksgiving Table Place Cards *
Some believe a Thanksgiving dinner table is bare and incomplete without table place cards. Fortunately, these can be made quite easily using vintage cards or free clip art images. Just download the image or images you want to use and insert them into a table in your word processing or other type of program. The table should have two columns and six or eight rows, depending on how long and thin you want the cards. Paste the art into every other cell, making sure there’s enough room on the cards to write people’s names. Then, print onto heavy card stock, cut them out using a paper cutter or a ruler and craft knife and they’ll be ready to fold in half. Voila! That’s it. Your holiday table will be that much more festive.
I hope your family has a great time making these Thanksgiving craft projects and that you have a great Thanksgiving!
