Thanksgiving

Several years ago my family and I started the tradition of making a thankful tree for Thanksgiving.  The first time we made one, we used construction paper leaves and a small branch to display each of our leaves.  Then a few years ago I created more permanent leaves by using oven bake polymer clay.  These precious treasures of our family are displayed on our Christmas tree for all of our guests to see.

These leaves are easy to make.  The supplies are and instructions are as follows:

Oven bake polymer clay in a light color
Rolling pin (I use a small diameter PVC pipe)
Leaf shaped cookie cutters (ones you won't use for edible items)
A drinking straw
Fall colored ribbon
Permanent markers in various colors
Tin foil
Baking sheet

Directions:
1.  Knead the clay until it is pliable
2.  Roll the clay out evenly, about 1/4 inch thickness
3.  Cut the leaf shapes
4.  Use the drinking straw to cut a small circle into the leaves-- this will be used for the ribbon hanger
5.  Line a baking sheet with tin foil, then place the leaf shapes on the tin foil
6.  Bake the leaves according to the instructions for the type of clay being used
7.  Once the leaves have been baked, let them cool completely and then create a hanger by threading a length of ribbon through the hole and tying the ends together
8.  Using permanent markers, decorate the leaves with those things for which you are most thankful--remember to add the date too!
9.  Hang on a tree, branch or twig to display

These leaves can be enjoyed from year to year.    

 

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A few Thanksgivings ago I wanted to give each of our guests a little token

 to remember the day.  So at each plate, I placed a Thankful Token that I

 made specifically for that person.  These were easy to make using

polymer clay, acrylic paint and clear spray paint.

 

First, I chose a pearl colored clay.  I then divided it into pieces about the size of a walnut.  I worked the clay into smooth round pieces.  The pieces were then baked in the oven according to the package instructions.  After the piece were cooled, I then painted a message on each token.  This step taken patience and a tiny paintbrush.  Before I called them complete, I sealed them with clear spray paint.

 

 

* Both of my children were given a token on Thanksgiving too.  It makes this mama's heart happy to know that years later, both of them keep these little guys on their nightstands next to their beds.