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Featured image of This DIY Thankful Tree is the New Thanksgiving Tradition We Need This Year
DIY

This DIY Thankful Tree is the New Thanksgiving Tradition We Need This Year

Oct. 08, 2020 Denise Dias

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A wonderful way to display gratitude and give thanks, this seasonal kid-friendly craft doubles as a stunning rustic centrepiece for your Thanksgiving table. Start a meaningful new family tradition to celebrate the season and dress up a big bunch of branches or berry stems in a few simple steps.

Related: These Fabulous Friendsgiving Decor Ideas Are Perfect for a Small Gathering

Thankful tree materials

Materials Required:       

  • Branches (artificial or real)
  • Leaves (wooden or real)
  • Cardstock paper
  • Scissors
  • Hole punch
  • Pen
  • String

Related: Looking for Ways to Help Spark Creativity at Home? Design a Fun DIY Kids’ Craft Room

Step One: Trace the Leaves

Trace the outline of a few leaves (use different shapes and sizes for visual interest) on colourful cardstock paper. Have fun with a pretty palette of fall colours, muted tones or metallics to match your decor or tablescape. 

Step One: Trace the Leaves

Related: From Thanksgiving to Halloween: Fall Decor for Under $100

Step Two: Cut Out the Leaves

Using sharp scissors, gently cut out each leaf. Be careful to avoid exposing the outline.

Step Two: Cut Out the Leaves

Step Three: Punch a Hole in Each One

Use a hole punch to create a tidy hole at the base of each leaf. Tip: if you don’t have a hole punch, you can also attach the leaves to the tree with small clothespins or metal clips.

Step Three: Punch a Hole in Each One

Related: How to Make Your Outdoor Space Bloom With a Simple and Stunning DIY Floral Garland

Step Four: Thread String Through the Holes

Thread ribbon, twine or string through each hole to form a loop. Match the colour of string or ribbon to the colour of the paper or branches for a clean look. Keep the string long or short, depending on how close you want the leaves to be on the branches.

Step Four: Thread String through the Holes

Step Five: Write Messages of Thanks

Write some messages, memories, phrases, words or short poems that inspire you to feel gratitude on the leaves. Young children can also participate with a small drawing, doodle or sticker. If you’re using wooden leaves, you can use a paint pen to write your message directly onto the leaf.

Step Five: Write Messages of Thanks

Related: Celebrating at Home? This Colourful DIY Rainbow Pinata is Full of Fun

Step Six: Arrange and Trim Branches

Arrange your branches in a vase with fresh water, decorative rocks or sand. Use a few large branches or berry stems and trim as necessary to fit your space. Keep your arrangement asymmetrical for a cool sculptural look.

Step Six: Arrange and Trim Branches

Related: Bring a Citrus Twist to Your Table With These DIY Painted Coasters

Step Seven: Hang the Leaves on the Tree

Carefully hang your leaves on each branch, ensuring even distribution. Enjoy your thankful tree as a centrepiece to adorn your table, kitchen island or mantle. You can then add to it throughout the season or during your Thanksgiving celebration.

Hang the Leaves on the Tree

Images courtesy of Denise Dias

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