How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey Without Cooking a Thing

With Thanksgiving around the corner, it's time to ask yourself if you really know how to make a turkey.

Do you start with yarn, or fabric or paper cups? Lots of crafters have come up with creative twists on turkeys – and their methods have nothing to do with butter, basting or baking. Let's take a turkey tour of the craft world!

1. First off, we LOVE the Oreo Cookie Turkey (shown above). Kudos to Amanda of Impress your Kids, who wrote this little tutorial up in a guest post for the most excellent craft site, Make and Takes. It actually kills two, um, birds with one stone: it's a vegetarian alternative to the real thing AND a great way to use up some of the candy corn that's been kicking around since Halloween.

2. You probably have a paper cup or two at home. Add a few other bits and pieces to it, and in no time you've got a Paper Cup Turkey. Click over to Craft Tutorials for a look.

3. These turkeys are a little nuts. And a little felt. And a lot of fun. Thanks to Cassandra and Spencer for the great idea!

4. How about putting a little turkey in your hair? These hair clips and hairbands from LuluBug Bowtique are felt and festive.

5. Speaking of festive accessories, how about a turkey on a pendant? Here's a cute fused glass version from Sheryl at JoChris12 glass shop.

6. Another twist on the pendant idea is a retro turkey image on a Scrabble tile. Click over to Gilded Lily's shop to see it.

7. This appliquéed turkey T-shirt for toddlers is so cute I can't stand it. Comes in other colors, too. Nice work, Zingotots!

8. But what about some cool turkey duds for dads, like this DIY turkey boutonniere? Looks like a felt body with half an artificial flower attached for feathers.

9. If you have a craving for a crochet project, check out this cutie from Mia Zamora Johnson, who sells the pattern for this and other amigurumi characters. You can see more and get in touch via her blog, Owlishly.

10. If you have pinecones, you can turn them into turkeys, just like they do in this Family Fun project.

11. Now that you're all inspired, I would like to leave you with the Thanksgiving Song, once again courtesy of Make and Takes. And don't forget to share what you've been crafting for Thanksgiving!