DIY
THANKSGIVING DIY:
Family Trees
SCISSORS: NATCHAPON/ADOBE STOCK; LEAVES: STUDIOBARCELONA;
MARKER: CHICTYPE/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
MAPLE LEAF: NANCYBELLE GONZAGA VILLARROYA/MOMENT/GETTY IMAGES;
CRAFT: HEATHER M. ROSS
B Y H E AT H E R M . R O S S
Fall is the time of year when we appreciate
the hard work we’ve put in and the loved
ones who support us. This family-friendly
craft will bring personality and warmth to
your kitchen table this Thanksgiving.

YOU’LL NEED
Two sheets of gold or brown cardstock paper
One sheet of yellow cardstock paper
One sheet of orange cardstock paper
One sheet of red cardstock paper
A black marker
A pencil
A pair of scissors
A ruler
Glue Tip: If little ones are helping with this craft, make sure the
points of their scissors are always facing away from their body.

STEP 3 Duplicate: Trace the trunk you already cut
out onto the second piece of brown cardstock paper and
repeat steps one and two, but instead of cutting along the
bottom-middle, cut down to the middle from the top on the
second trunk piece.

STEP 4 Leaves: Draw or trace leaves from outside
onto the red, yellow and orange colored paper. They do
not all need to be the same size and shape but be sure to
have them big enough to write someone’s name on them.

Once you have at least 20 leaves, cut them out.

STEP 5 Names: Use the black marker to write the
names of your family members, pets and friends you’re
thankful for on both sides of each leaf.

Tip: Don’t press too hard with the marker or the ink could bleed
through. A soft pressure is enough.

STEP 1
Tracing: To begin, place the
brown cardstock paper on
the table and draw the trunk
of your tree with the pencil. Your
tree pattern does not have to be sym-
metrical. Feel free to erase and re-draw as
much as you like to get the shape you want. For extra
stability, make sure to include some roots.

Tip: For a more natural look, make the sides of the trunk a bit bumpy. But if
you’re having trouble, use a ruler.

STEP 2 Cutting: Next, carefully cut along the pencil line with
scissors. Place the scrap paper to the side. Then, using a ruler, make a
faint pencil line directly in the middle of the trunk on the bottom half
continuing up to the middle.

Cut along that line.

STEP 6 (Optional) Branches: You can use
the leftover brown cardstock from steps two and three to
draw and cut additional branches.

STEP 7 Leaves to Branches: Attach the leaves
to the branches with a dot of glue at the stem or base of
the leaf. Then, wait for the glue to dry.

Tip: Use some leaves of each color on each branch to give your
tree a natural fall look.

Tip: Use glitter glue for a little bit of sparkle!
STEP 8 Assembly: Slide the first trunk piece
down the middle of the second trunk piece so that the
center slits meet.

Tip: For added stability, a little bit of clear tape can be used.

Finally, you can display your creation for the whole
family to see! T
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