I was challenged by Bing to create a seasonal craft based on an idea I found using their Smart Search on Windows 8.1. I love a challenge, and I have been thinking about upgrading to Windows 8.1 so the ability to create a fun kids’ craft and play around with a new computer really appealed to me. With Thanksgiving approaching, I have been in the mood to make a Turkey Craft with the kids. Luckily, I found plenty of inspiration online in a Smart Search and we created an adorable Tissue Paper Turkey Craft.
I haven’t had a chance to install Windows 8.1 yet, so I headed to my nearest Windows store to try it out. I tried out Bing’s Smart Search on a touch computer screen. If you have not tried one of these things, they are awesome – so intuitive and easy to use. Anyone with a PC or tablet with Windows 8.1 can use Bing’s Smart search. The new Windows 8.1 start up screen features a search bar which makes it simple to find what you are looking for with just a swipe. You don’t even need to open a browser.
I wanted to search for a fun turkey craft that I could make with my kids so I typed “kids turkey craft” into the Bing Search bar.
In one search you can find everything you need. Bing’s Smart Search will pull up any related files that are on your device. You can take action right from the search results. Launch apps, open files, call a friend, change settings, and more, all with a single click. Web previews help you see at-a-glance what the web page looks like behind each search result. That means fewer clicks to find the right link.
I was able to receive a “Smart” summary of my results for “kids turkey craft.” My search resulted in a rich, visual summary of the most relevant information from across the web and apps. Now all I had to do was pick a turkey craft. I saw a turkey made with feathers cut from tissue paper and this inspired me to use tissue paper on my turkey in a slightly different way.
To make this tissue paper turkey craft you will need:
- Tissue paper in Fall colors
- Cup with water
- Small paintbrush
- Turkey body on brown construction paper, and 6 turkey feathers cut from white card stock (free printables here)
- Markers
- Glue stick
- Scissors
My twins received a box of tissue paper squares for their birthday. You do not need tissue paper squares to do this project. You can use normal Fall colored tissue paper that you or you child tear into small pieces. Tearing paper is great fine motor work, which is a nice bonus.
I have provided some free printables for a turkey body and turkey feathers. You will need six feathers for each turkey, so just print out two copies of the feather printable (each contains three feathers) on white card stock. Print out the turkey body on brown card stock if you have it, or just on white paper which you can cut out and trace onto brown construction paper.
Provide your child with six feathers, a variety of tissue paper, a cup with water and a brush. Have your child place the tissue paper wherever they want on the feather. They will then dip their brush in the water and “paint” over the feather with the water.
The more white space on the feather they cover, the more colorful the feather will be.
When the feathers have been covered with tissue paper, allow them to dry.
When the feathers have dried, have the kids peel off the tissue paper to reveal the beautiful colors that bled through underneath.
Now it’s time to decorate your turkey face. You can be as creative as you like and use googly eyes or pipe cleaners. We kept it simple by drawing a face and feet with markers.
Cut a nose out of tissue paper and glue it on the turkey’s face.
Glue the feathers to the back of the turkey’s body and display your cute little gobbler.
Thanks Bing for helping me find the perfect Thanksgiving activity to do with my kids!
The Mommy-Files says
That's awesome! Where did you find the tissue paper in the box like that?
Vicky @ Mess For Less says
Thanks for the comment! They are from Lakeshore. Here is the link: http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/seo/ca%7CproductSubCat~~p%7CFF534~~.jsp
Pschooltoolbox says
Love this Turkey Craft…so fun! Also…thanks for introducing us to Bing's Smart Seach!
Zorasmomma says
Tried and failed. We have TONS of tissue paper so I thought this would be a great way to use a bit of it. Unfortunately, none of the tissue we used left an color behind when it dried. We even tried crepe paper to no avail. Apparently, not all tissue paper is created equal. 🙁
Vicky says
What a bummer! I had no idea there was so tissue paper that bleeds and some that doesn’t. How frustrating. Thanks for letting me know your experience.