“The paint peeled off the pumpkins my class painted. What's the secret to making it stick?” · Pamela Stansberry
Author Any water-based paint flakes off after it dries, but acrylic paint sticks on without any trouble.
Paint a mini pumpkin as the turkey's body, then write numbers on paper feathers and wings and attach them with toothpicks. It works as a craft, writing and math activity, and a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
Cover the table, then paint the mini pumpkin in turkey feather colors (or just brown) with acrylic paint.
Let the painted pumpkin dry, then come back to the project the next day.
Trace or write numbers on the feathers (1 to 5) and wings (6 and 7) with markers.
Adult: staple the feathers together into a fan and stick a toothpick on the back.
Glue a toothpick to each wing and set the feathers and wings out to dry for a while.
Color the turkey's eyes and wattle, then glue the head to the front of the pumpkin.
Push the feather and wing toothpicks into the pumpkin, with an adult helping.
Set your number turkey out for display.
Any water-based paint flakes off after it dries. Acrylic paint sticks on without any trouble.
Yes. The author says it can go in many directions, such as letters, sight words and word families.
💬 15 comments ✍️ 3 answered by the author
“The paint peeled off the pumpkins my class painted. What's the secret to making it stick?” · Pamela Stansberry
Author Any water-based paint flakes off after it dries, but acrylic paint sticks on without any trouble.
🛠️ Troubleshooting
A teacher's class-painted Halloween pumpkins peeled. The author explains water-based paint flakes off once dry, while acrylic paint sticks without trouble.
“I painted pumpkins for Halloween with my class-but the paint peeled off.”
✨ Readers' twist
The author says the activity can go in many directions and plans to use the turkey for sight words instead of numbers.
“I'm thinking of using the turkey for sight words.”
✨ Readers' twist
A reader points out the craft is a great way to give leftover pumpkins a second life for Thanksgiving.
“what a great way to use the leftover pumpkins for Thanksgiving”
🎉 Worked for us
A reader liked the range of motor skills involved and that kids can play with the finished craft while learning math.
“I love all the different motor skills involved, and crafts you can play with (and learn math) are always the best.”
🎉 Worked for us
Another reader loved that the turkey works as a craft, a writing activity and a math activity all at once.
“I love that it triples as a craft, writing and math activity.”
Read all 15 comments
Mala · May 2013
My children love this turkey craft.
Pamela Stansberry · Nov 2012
I painted pumpkins for Halloween with my class-but the paint peeled off. What is the secret to having the paint stick to the pumpkin?
TurkeyMomAuthor · Nov 2012 · replying to Pamela Stansberry
Any water based paint flakes off after it dries. But acrylic paint sticks on without any trouble.
TurkeyMomAuthor · Nov 2012 · replying to Mud Hut Mama
Yeah. This activity can take so many directions. I'm thinking of using the turkey for sight words.
Mud Hut Mama · Nov 2012
This turkey is so cute and I love that it triples as a craft, writing and math activity. Also thrilled that I finally got on your site!
TurkeyMomAuthor · Oct 2012 · replying to Janis
Yeah you can extend this activity in many directions.
Christy · Oct 2012
Thats so cute! Thanks for linking up to tip-toe thru tuesday. I hope we see you back this week.
Beth · Oct 2012
Very cute! And what a great way to use the leftover pumpkins for Thanksgiving =-) Thanks for linking up to TGIF! Have a GREAT weekend, Beth =-)
Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas · Oct 2012
so many fun ways to use this - very creative. I am featuring this on this week's Sunday Showcase. Thanks for sharing.
maggy, red ted art · Oct 2012
Ooh love the combination of turkey and pumpkin craft! Thank you for sharing on Kids Get Crafty! Maggy
Lilac @LearnersInBloom · Oct 2012
The turkey turned out so cute! I love all the different motor skills involved, and crafts you can play with (and learn math) are always the best. Pinning this and following you on Facebook :)
pinkoddy · Oct 2012
Oh what a good and unusual way to decorate a pumpkin Visiting via RedTedArt