Thanksgiving deserves a little shimmer, don’t you think? Between the pumpkin pie, the colorful leaves, and the opportunity to set an especially pretty table, there’s plenty to celebrate before we even get to December. Our Thanksgiving tin embossing templates bring a little handmade charm to the season with corn, acorn, pumpkin, and turkey ornaments. And for the table? A turkey name tag with room underneath to personalize for each guest. Because everyone deserves a turkey with their name on it!
A little shine for your Thanksgiving decor
If you haven’t tried tin embossing yet, this is a lovely place to start. By tracing a design onto soft metal, you can create raised lines, little patterns, and beautiful texture with just a few simple tools. The metal catches the light so nicely, making even the smallest details feel special.
This collection takes some of our favorite signs of the season and turns them into keepsakes you can bring out year after year. Add your finished ornaments to a few branches in a vase, string them into a garland, or tie them around napkins for an extra festive table.
I’m especially fond of the idea of a tiny harvest hanging above the Thanksgiving spread. Pass the potatoes—and admire the corn!
Personalized turkey place cards
A place card is such a small thing, but it makes a table feel thoughtfully prepared. It says, “There’s a spot for you here.” And when that place card happens to feature an embossed turkey? Even better. Our turkey name tag template includes space beneath the design to add each guest’s name. Trace or write your lettering into that space before embossing, then work slowly to bring each name to life. You can keep the lettering simple or get a little fancy with it. I even love the idea of letting the guests make their own as a little craft while they wait for the meal.
Set a finished tag on each plate or tuck it into a folded napkin. Guests can take theirs home afterward as a little reminder of the day.
Tin Embossing Thanksgiving Ornaments and Customizable Turkey place settings
Difficulty:
BeginnerTime:
5-10 minutes per ornamentMaterials
- The House That Lars Built Tin Embossing Templates for Thanksgiving
- Craft metal (I’ve tried them all–this is the best! It won’t cut you!)
- Ballpoint pens
- Dotting stylus (optional for these ones)
- Felt or fabric square
- Tape
- Hole punch for hanging up ornaments
- Ribbon or twine (optional)
- All supplies linked in one spot
- Scissors
Instructions
How to make tin embossed Thanksgiving ornaments
- Print the templates and choose your designs. Cut a piece of embossing metal slightly larger than the design you’re making. Place the metal on your soft work surface, then position the paper template on top. Tape it in place so it won’t shift as you trace.
- Using your embossing tool or empty ballpoint pen, trace the outline and interior details with gentle, even pressure. You want to leave an impression without puncturing the metal. Lift a corner of the paper to check your progress before removing the template.
- Remove the paper and go over any lines that need more definition. Turn the metal over to work from the reverse side wherever you’d like to create raised details. This is the fun part! Add texture to the corn kernels, define the acorn cap, and give those turkey feathers a little extra attention.
- Carefully cut around the outer shape, following the template’s outline. Check for sharp points or rough edges and gently smooth or fold them where needed.
- Punch a small hole near the top, leaving enough metal around the hole to support it. Thread with ribbon or twine, then hang your little harvest somewhere it can catch the light.
How to make the turkey name tags
- Follow the same tracing and embossing process using the turkey name tag template, with one extra step: add your guest’s name to the blank space beneath the turkey.
- Plan the name on paper first so you can check the spacing. Tape your lettering in position and trace it onto the metal, then remove the paper and refine the impression. For lettering that reads correctly, trace the name from the front; any work from the back will need to be mirrored.
- Finish the turkey and cut out the tag. Repeat for everyone at the table, including the little ones who may be considerably more interested in the rolls than the tablescape.
Make it a Thanksgiving crafting tradition
These would be so fun to make with a few friends before the holiday. Put on some music, set out the supplies, and spend an evening making ornaments while you catch up. You could even divide up the guest list and make your place cards together.
Keep the finished pieces in a small box between seasons, with tissue paper to protect the embossed details. Next year, you’ll have a little collection ready to welcome everyone back to the table.
Grab our Thanksgiving tin embossing templates and make a little room for handmade at your holiday table.