Home improvement

The Internet is chock full of no-cost Thanksgiving images that have terrific potential. They can be used to illustrate the holiday on websites or blogs, or can be pressed into service for those old-time favorites: Thanksgiving crafts. As an example, crafts made from antique Thanksgiving cards are no-brainers, because vintage images are versatile and also quite effective when it comes to delivering a message. Because of their age, these images can also be downloaded and used without fear of consequences stemming from copyright infringement.

Doing a quick online search for “vintage Thanksgiving cards” will yield a large number of free images from which many craft projects can be made. And if you’re not a fan of vintage, contemporary free Thanksgiving clipart or free digital fall clip art can also produce great craft projects.

Here are some examples of simple projects virtually kids and teens can make by using free images found on the Internet:

* We’re so Thankful Garlands *
Crafting thankful garlands can be as easy as having your guests write all the blessings they’re grateful for in their lives. Then, just print some vintage Thanksgiving cards and using miniature clothespins, affix the vintage cards and the leaves, alternating them onto a piece of yarn or ribbon. In the absence of clothespins, paper clips, colorful clamps from the office supply store or tape will hold the components in place. Another option to consider would be to 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 to show off everyone’s good work!

* Handmade Thanksgiving Greeting Cards *
When you’ve downloaded the Thanksgiving image you’d like to use, paste it into a word processing or PowerPoint document. You can size the card by adjusting the software’s settings. Place the image on one half of the card, so it can be folded in half after 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 Place Cards *
Some believe a Thanksgiving dinner table is bare and incomplete without table place cards. Fortunately, you can make them easily with 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. Place your chosen art into every other cell, leaving room to write people’s names. Then, print onto heavy card stock, cut the place cards using a paper cutter or a ruler and craft knife and just fold them in half. Voila! That’s all it takes. Your holiday table will be that much more festive.

I hope you and your kids enjoy making these simple and fun Thanksgiving crafts and that you have a happy holiday!