1. Gratitude Journals
Create a simple, beautiful gratitude journal for each family member. These small journals are a great way to reflect on things you’re thankful for and make wonderful keepsakes that can be cherished for years.
Materials Needed:
•Small blank notebooks or journals
•Old book pages or book-themed stickers
•Glue or double-sided tape
•Markers, stamps, or stickers for decoration
•Optional: Ribbon to tie around the journal
Instructions:
1.Decorate the cover of each journal with pages from an old book or printed book quotes that reflect gratitude.
2.Add decorative touches like ribbon, stamps, or stickers to personalize each journal.
3.Encourage family members to write down things they’re thankful for in the journal throughout the season. You can even have a family sharing moment on Thanksgiving Day to read aloud some of the entries.
2. Bookish Table Settings
Give your Thanksgiving table a literary makeover with book-themed place cards and centerpieces. These elegant yet simple crafts will add a unique touch to your holiday table.
Materials Needed:
•Mini pumpkins or gourds
•Cardstock or thick paper
•Book pages or quotes
•Pens, markers, or calligraphy pens
•Small clothespins or glue
Instructions:
1.Write each guest’s name on cardstock or paper and decorate with small snippets of book pages or favorite quotes. Attach each place card to a mini pumpkin or gourd using a clothespin or a dab of glue.
2.For a centerpiece, stack a few of your favorite hardcovers on the table and arrange fall leaves, candles, or small decorative items around them. You can even wrap the books in burlap or tie them with twine for a rustic look.
3.Add some sprigs of rosemary or fall leaves for an earthy touch to complete the look.
3. Book Page Leaf Garland
Create a festive garland out of book pages for an eye-catching Thanksgiving decoration. This simple craft is a great way to repurpose damaged or worn-out books into something beautiful for the holiday season.
Materials Needed:
•Old book pages
•Leaf template (you can print one out or trace around real leaves)
•Scissors
•Twine or ribbon
•Hole punch or tape
Instructions:
1.Using your leaf template, trace leaf shapes onto book pages and cut them out. Try making a mix of leaf sizes and shapes for variety.
2.Punch a hole at the top of each leaf or tape each leaf to the twine or ribbon.
3.Thread the leaves onto the twine, spacing them out evenly, or tape them at regular intervals.
4.Hang the garland along the mantel, across a window, or above the dining table to bring a cozy, literary charm to your Thanksgiving decor.
Closing Thoughts:
These easy DIY Thanksgiving crafts add a meaningful and personal touch to your celebration, bringing together the love of books with the joy of gratitude and family. Enjoy the holiday with a little extra bookish charm, and make it a Thanksgiving to remember!