Thanksgiving Turkey Printables
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Free Thanksgiving Turkey Ephemera Printables + Tips for Creating a Gratitude Journal
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with these turkeys? Today, I have a set of free vintage Thanksgiving turkey printables that will add a comical touch to your Thanksgiving- and fall-themed crafts and journaling projects. These unique collage sheets feature colorful, quirky turkeys from vintage postcards—perfect for decorating scrapbooks, making holiday cards, or creating a gratitude journal to capture the spirit of Thanksgiving.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the free printables and offer some tips on using them to make your own gratitude journal, a meaningful keepsake to capture moments of thankfulness.
About the Vintage Thanksgiving Turkey Printables
The collage sheets I’ve created feature classic Thanksgiving turkeys from vintage postcards. These turkeys aren’t just your average gobblers—they come dressed in top hats, scarves, and even look a bit bewildered about their holiday fate! The images include fun, whimsical touches like captions expressing the turkeys’ humorous perspectives on Thanksgiving.
Each sheet has a variety of turkey images in slightly different sizes, perfect for using in different ways. They come in two formats:
Larger Images (2.5 x 4.25 inches): Ideal for focal points on journal pages or larger crafting projects.
Smaller Images (2 x 3 inches): Perfect for accents, layering, or creating little tags for gifts and journaling.
These printables are versatile and can be cut out, layered, and used in multiple projects.
Ideas for Using the Thanksgiving Ephemera
I’ll talk a little more about creating a gratitude journal later, but these turkey printables are a fun addition to any Thanksgiving-themed project. Here are a few ideas on how you can use them:
Thanksgiving Cards: Use the turkey illustrations to make vintage-inspired Thanksgiving cards. Add a few embellishments like washi tape, ribbon, or even a touch of glitter to make them festive.
Place Cards for Thanksgiving Dinner: Cut out the images and write guests' names on them. These charming place cards will add a touch of whimsy to your Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Tags for Treat Bags: Attach these printables to bags of homemade treats or small gifts for friends and family. It’s a simple way to spread holiday cheer.
Scrapbooking Pages: Use these images in your Thanksgiving or autumn-themed scrapbook layouts. They’d be perfect for documenting a family dinner or the story behind your favorite holiday tradition.
I recently created a new section dedicated to Thanksgiving and fall in my library of free collage sheets. Those sheets would be great companion material for these turkey printables. These acorn and oak leaf printables, these mushroom ephemera sheets, or these vintage vegetable seed catalog collage sheets would all make wonderful additions to your fall mixed-media crafts.
Now, let's explore how you can use these printables to start a gratitude journal, a wonderful project for this season of thankfulness.
How to Create a Gratitude Journal for Thanksgiving
A gratitude journal is a powerful tool for reflection, helping you focus on the positive things in life. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to start this practice, and by adding a creative touch, you can make a journal that’s uniquely yours. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a gratitude journal with these Thanksgiving printables.
Step 1: Choose Your Journal
You can use any type of notebook or journal you like. A blank journal, sketchbook, or even an old discarded book are all great for mixed media and collaging. Alternatively, if you enjoy working with loose pages, you could always store them in a binder.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
To make your journal visually appealing and engaging, gather a few supplies:
These vintage Thanksgiving turkey printables or other free fall-themed printables
Scissors or a craft knife
PVA glue or double-sided tape
Washi tape, stickers, or other decorative items
Pens, markers, or colored pencils for writing and embellishments
Step 3: Plan Your Layout
Think about how you want each page to look. Here are a few layout ideas to get started:
Single Page Gratitude Lists: Dedicate each page to listing things you’re grateful for. Add a turkey image of other fall ephemera as decoration.
Daily Gratitude Prompts: Write prompts like “Today I am grateful for…” or “One thing I appreciate about today is…” at the top of each page. Decorate with fall ephemera images to keep the theme.
Collaged Pages: Mix the turkey images with other vintage ephemera or scrapbook papers for a layered, collaged look. You could even add dried leaves, pressed flowers, or other natural elements.
Step 4: Write Your Gratitude Entries
Take a few minutes each day to write down things you’re thankful for. These could be big things, like family and friends, or small things, like a warm cup of coffee in the morning. The key is to focus on appreciation and a positive mindset.
Step 5: Add Personal Touches
Make your journal a true reflection of yourself by adding personal touches. Consider including:
Photos: Add photos of loved ones, pets, or moments that make you smile.
Quotes: Write or print out quotes about gratitude and thankfulness that resonate with you.
Doodles: Add small doodles or drawings if you enjoy sketching.
Step 6: Reflect on Your Entries
A gratitude journal is more than just a daily exercise; it’s a record of positive moments and memories. Take time at the end of each week to read through your entries and reflect on the things that made you feel grateful. This practice will help reinforce a sense of appreciation and joy in your life.
Tips for Making Your Gratitude Journal a Lasting Practice
Starting a gratitude journal is the easy part. Keeping it going can be a bit more challenging. Here are a few tips to make your journal a lasting practice:
Set Aside Time: Choose a specific time each day to write in your journal. Many people find it helpful to do this in the morning to set a positive tone for the day, or in the evening to reflect on the day’s events.
Keep It Simple: You don’t need to write long entries. Even a few sentences about something that made you smile or something you’re thankful for can make a big difference.
Stay Consistent: Aim to write in your journal every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Building a consistent habit will help journaling become a natural part of your daily routine over time.
Try Writing Prompts When You’re Stuck: If you’re unsure what to write, prompts can be a great way to get started. Examples like “I am grateful for a person who…” or “Today I appreciated…” can spark ideas and make it easier to begin your entry.
Creating a gratitude journal is a simple, enjoyable way to foster thankfulness. By combining mixed-media practices with daily reflections, you’re creating a keepsake that celebrates both the season and the moments of joy in your life.
Happy crafting, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, laughter, and gratitude!
Terms of use:
Free to use for personal or commercial projects. You may print the collage sheets as many times as you wish for your personal crafts or in your projects to sell, including: art journals, scrapbooks, junk journals, collage art, etc. You may not redistribute or sell the collage sheets “as is" in either print or digital form.
If you wish to share the files on your own website, please do not make the files available for download directly from your site. Instead, include an image with a link back to this site.
To the best of my knowledge, these are all royalty free images that are in the Public Domain in the US. However, you should always do your own research if you plan to use them commercially.
