12 Creative Uses For Turkey Beards: From Fashion To Home Decor!

Who knew that a turkey beard could have so many uses beyond just being a hunting trophy? From fashionable accessories to home decor accents, the humble turkey beard can be transformed into an array of creative and unique items. Whether you're looking to repurpose one you've collected or just curious about the possibilities, join us as we explore 12 creative uses for turkey beards that will leave you gobbling with excitement!

Keychains

Turkey hunting is a popular activity during the fall months, and many hunters take pride in displaying their hard-earned turkey beards. But what do you do with all those beards once the hunt is over? One cool option is to turn them into keychains.

To make a turkey beard keychain, you'll need a few supplies: a turkey beard, pliers, a keychain ring, and some glue. Here's how to do it:

• Clean the beard. After removing the beard from the bird, clean it by washing it with warm water and mild soap. Rinse it well and let it dry completely.
• Trim the beard. Once the beard is dry, use a pair of sharp scissors to trim any rough or uneven edges. You can also trim the beard to your desired length if you wish.
• Attach the keychain ring. Using pliers, open the keychain ring and attach it to the widest part of the turkey beard, just below the base. Make sure it is securely closed.
• Apply glue. To ensure the keychain stays together, apply a small amount of strong glue where the keychain ring meets the beard. Let it dry completely before using.

Once your keychain is complete, you can use it to keep your keys organized or use it as a unique accessory on your backpack or purse. They also make great gifts for fellow hunters or anyone who appreciates nature and the outdoors.

In addition to making keychains, there are other cool things you can do with turkey beards. They can be used to make earrings, necklaces, or even to decorate hunting camp or cabin. Get creative and see what unique items you can create with these beautiful and unique pieces of nature.

Dreamcatchers

Turkey beards make excellent materials for creating dreamcatchers, one of the coolest things you can do with them. Dreamcatchers are Native American crafts that are used to protect sleepers from bad dreams and nightmares. They are believed to catch the good dreams and allow them to flow down through the web and feathers to the sleeper, while trapping bad dreams in the web to be burnt away by the morning sun.

To make a turkey beard dreamcatcher, gather the following materials: a turkey beard, sinew or thread, a hoop, beads, feathers, and any other decorative materials of your choice. Begin by preparing the turkey beard, cleaning it thoroughly, and separating the hairs. Cut a piece of sinew or thread long enough to reach around the hoop several times.

Next, gather the bottom of the beard together and tie it with the sinew or thread, making sure it's secure. Tie the same thread around the hoop and wrap it around a few times before tying it off. Keep moving around the hoop, wrapping the sinew or thread around it and threading beads onto it as you go. Make sure to leave gaps in your beadwork to create the dreamcatcher web.

Once you have completed the beadwork and reached your starting point, you can begin weaving the hairs in the web. Start with the thicker hairs at the top and work your way down to the thinner hairs. Use a needle to weave the hairs in and out of the gaps in the beadwork, stretching and securing them tightly as you go. This can be a laborious process, but the end result is well worth it.

To finish off the dreamcatcher, you can add feathers and any other decorative elements you choose. Take a few long feathers and tie them to the bottom of the dreamcatcher, and then layer shorter feathers on top. You can also embellish the hoop with beads, feathers, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Making dreamcatchers with turkey beards is certainly one of the coolest things you can do with them. Not only is it a fun and creative craft, but it also pays homage to Native American traditions and beliefs. Give it a try and see how much joy and good dreams you can bring to yourself and others.

Feather earrings

If you're an avid turkey hunter, you probably already know that turkey beards make for great souvenirs of a successful hunt. But did you know that turkey beards can also be used for some pretty cool DIY projects? One of the most popular and stylish ways to repurpose turkey beards is by turning them into feather earrings. In this article, we'll show you how to make your own unique pair of turkey beard feather earrings.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

To make your own turkey beard feather earrings, you're going to need a few materials. Here's what you'll need:

• Turkey beard(s)
• Sharp scissors
• Needle-nose pliers
• Earring hooks
• Jump rings
• Jewelry glue

Step 2: Trim Your Feathers

Once you've gathered all of the materials, you can start making your feathers. Start by taking your turkey beard and trimming the individual strands to the desired length. You want your feathers to be roughly the same length, so make sure you're cutting them evenly.

Step 3: Create Your Feathers

Next, you're going to create the feather shape. Take your needle-nose pliers and hold the trimmed feather at the base. Bend the feather backwards to create a curve, then curve it back in the opposite direction to create the shape of a feather.

Step 4: Attach Your Earring Hooks

Once you have your feathers shaped, it's time to attach your earring hooks. Take your jump rings and thread them through the loops of the earring hooks. Then, loop the jump rings through the base of the feather and close them with the pliers.

Step 5: Glue Your Feathers

Finally, use a little bit of jewelry glue to secure the feathers in place. This will ensure that they don't fall out of the jump rings and get lost. Simply dab a small amount of glue onto the jump ring and feather connection and let it dry.

And that's it! With a little bit of time and some basic jewelry-making skills, you can create your own beautiful pair of turkey beard feather earrings. These unique accessories are a great way to show off your love of hunting and add a little bit of outdoorsy style to your everyday look. So, go ahead and try it out – you might just be surprised by how much you love wearing your turkey beard feather earrings!

Hat bands

Turkey hunting is a popular activity during hunting season, but what do you do with the turkey beards once you've bagged your bird? The answer is simple: use them to create cool hat bands! Turkey beards are the long hairlike feathers that grow from the breast of male turkeys, and they can make a beautiful addition to any hat.

Here are some steps to help you create your very own turkey beard hat band:

Step 1: Gather your materials

To create a turkey beard hat band, you'll need a few things:

• Turkey beards (at least two)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Elastic cord
• Needle and thread

Step 2: Measure the elastic

Using the measuring tape, measure the circumference of your hat where you want to place the hat band. Cut a length of elastic cord that is slightly shorter than your measurement. This will ensure that the band fits snugly on your hat.

Step 3: Cut the turkey beards

Using the scissors, carefully cut the turkey beards from the breast of the turkey. Try to keep the hairs as long as possible, as this will make them easier to work with.

Step 4: Attach the turkey beards

Take one of the turkey beards and fold it in half. Thread the needle and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Sew the folded end of the turkey beard onto the elastic cord. Repeat with the other turkey beard, spacing them evenly along the elastic cord.

Step 5: Secure the hat band

Once you've attached both turkey beards to the elastic cord, tie the two ends of the elastic cord together to form a loop. Try the hat band on your hat to make sure it fits snugly. If necessary, adjust the length of the elastic cord.

Step 6: Show off your hat band

Your turkey beard hat band is now complete! Wear it proudly on your hat during your next hunting trip or any other outdoor excursion. Not only is it a cool way to show off your hunting trophy, but it also serves a practical purpose by keeping sweat out of your eyes.

In conclusion, creating a turkey beard hat band is a fun and unique way to repurpose your hunting trophy. With just a few simple materials and some basic sewing skills, you can create a stylish accessory that will make your hat stand out from the crowd. So next time you bag a turkey, don't toss out the beard - turn it into a hat band!

Fishing lures

If you're an avid turkey hunter, you know that the beards of these magnificent birds are prized possessions. But what about those extra beards that you don't know what to do with? Well, how about turning them into fishing lures? Here are a few ideas for cool things to do with turkey beards:

• Crankbaits: Crankbaits are one of the most popular lures in fishing. They are designed to mimic the movements of prey fish, and they come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. To make a turkey beard crankbait, you will need a small treble hook, some beads, and a split ring. Simply thread the beard onto the hook and add a few beads for extra color and attraction. Attach the split ring to the other end of the hook, and you're ready to go.
• Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are a type of lure that spin as they move through the water. They are designed to mimic the movements of a fleeing baitfish. To make a turkey beard spinnerbait, you will need a spinner blade, a spinner body, a hook, and a split ring. Thread the beard onto the hook, and then attach the spinner blade and body. Finally, add the split ring to the end of the hook for easy attachment to your fishing line.
• Jigs: Jigs are versatile lures that can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are designed to mimic the movements of a wounded baitfish. To make a turkey beard jig, you will need a jig head, some feathers, and a split ring. Attach the beard to the jig head, and then add the feathers for extra attraction. Finally, add the split ring to the end of the jig head for easy attachment to your fishing line.

All of these lures are easy to make, and they are sure to attract a variety of fish species. So, the next time you're looking for a use for those extra turkey beards, try making some fishing lures. You might just be surprised at how well they work!

Christmas tree ornaments

When it comes to turkey hunting, one of the most interesting and unique features of these birds is their beard. For those who want to make use of this unusual material, there are plenty of creative ways to turn the turkey's beard into fun and festive Christmas tree ornaments. Here are just a few cool ideas to try out:

Rustic Turkey Beard Balls

For a simple and rustic look, try making turkey beard balls. Simply gather a bunch of beards and tie them together with twine or string, forming a tight ball. You can add any other decorations you like, such as small pinecones, berries, or even a small bell.

Feathered Turkey Beard Ornament

For a more elaborate design, try creating a feathered turkey beard ornament. Start by attaching the beard to a piece of styrofoam or cardboard, then glue on brightly colored feathers using hot glue. Once the feathers are in place, add any additional decorations you like, such as glitter, beads, or sequins.

Personalized Turkey Beard Ornaments

For a personalized touch, consider adding individual markings or names to each turkey beard ornament. Using acrylic paint or permanent markers, write names, dates, or other meaningful messages onto the beard. These make for great gifts or sentimental mementos.

Glittery Turkey Beard Stars

For a festive and shimmery look, create glittery turkey beard stars. Start by gluing together three turkey beards in a star shape. Then, paint the beards with a layer of glitter glue or spray glitter, being sure to cover every inch of the feathers to give them a sparkling effect.

Festive Turkey Beard Wreaths

Finally, consider making turkey beard wreaths to display on your Christmas tree. Start by bending a piece of wire or coat hanger into a circular shape, then wrap it with twine or ribbon. Next, attach turkey beards to the wreath using hot glue, along with other decorations such as holly berries, pinecones, or bows.

In conclusion, turkey beards can be a fun and unique way to create festive Christmas tree ornaments. With a bit of creativity, you can turn this humble material into beautiful and personalized decorations that add a rustic and natural touch to your holiday decor. So gather up those turkey beards and get crafting!

Decorative wreaths

Turkey beards are an interesting and unique craft material that can be used for a variety of decorative purposes, and one such possibility is to create a decorative wreath. Turkey beards are the tufts of hair that protrude from a wild turkey's chest, and they have a distinctive texture and appearance that can add character and charm to any wreath design. Here are some cool things to do with turkey beards when making a decorative wreath.

First, start by collecting enough turkey beards to create your wreath. This may require some hunting or asking others who hunt wild turkeys for their excess beards. You can also purchase turkey beards online from various taxidermy and craft supply stores if you do not have access to them.

Once you have your turkey beards, you can begin to plan your wreath design. The beards can be arranged in a circular pattern to create a traditional wreath shape, or you can get creative and try different shapes or designs. You can also use other materials such as twigs, branches, or dried flowers to complement the texture and color of the beards.

Next, attach the turkey beards to your desired form using wire or hot glue. Be sure to arrange the beards in a way that complements the natural curve of the feathers. You can also add other decorative elements such as ribbons, bells, or pinecones to enhance the wreath's overall design and appeal.

Finally, display your turkey beard wreath in a prominent location in your home or give it as a unique and personalized gift to a friend or family member. These wreaths are a perfect way to bring a little bit of nature indoors and create a rustic and charming ambiance in any space.

In conclusion, turkey beards are a versatile and intriguing craft material that can be used to create unique and beautiful wreaths. Whether you are an avid hunter or simply someone who loves nature and craft projects, creating a turkey beard wreath is a worthwhile and creative endeavor that is sure to impress and delight all who see it.

Bow ties

Turkey beards are a unique and interesting material that can be used in a variety of ways. One cool thing you can do with turkey beards is to make stylish and unique bow ties. Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind accessory, but you'll also be repurposing a part of the turkey that might otherwise go to waste.

To make a turkey beard bow tie, first, you'll need to gather materials. You'll need turkey beards, thread, a needle, scissors, and a bow tie metal clasp. You can find these supplies at a craft store or online.

Next, take several turkey beards and trim them to a similar length. You can experiment with different lengths and widths depending on your preferences. Then, thread your needle and knot the end.

Start by folding one end of the turkey beards over the metal clasp and use your needle and thread to secure it in place. Then, continue folding the turkey beards back and forth over the clasp, securing each fold with your needle and thread.

Once you've reached the other end of the clasp, trim any excess turkey beards and secure the end with your needle and thread. You can also add a dab of glue for extra security.

Voila! You've created a unique and stylish bow tie made from turkey beards.

Not only is this a fun DIY project, but it's also a great conversation starter. When someone compliments your bow tie, you can share the story of how you made it and how you repurposed a part of a turkey that would have otherwise been discarded.

In conclusion, making bow ties out of turkey beards is a cool and creative way to use this unique material. And the best part? You'll have a one-of-a-kind accessory that's sure to make a statement. So, next time you have some turkey beards laying around, grab your needle and thread and get to work on a bow tie that's sure to turn heads.

Bookmarks

If you're a turkey hunter, you know the value of a turkey beard. Turkey beards are long strands of feathers that grow from a turkey's chest. It's common practice to cut them off and keep them as a trophy to commemorate a successful hunt. But what do you do with your turkey beard once you have it? Here are some cool things to do with turkey beards that you may not have thought of before.

Make bookmarks

One great way to use turkey beards is to make bookmarks. This is a simple and elegant way to keep your place in a book, especially if you’re an avid reader. To make your own turkey beard bookmarks, all you need is a pair of scissors, a hole punch, and some ribbon or string. Cut a section of the beard, punch a hole at the top, and thread the ribbon or string through the hole. You can also add a wooden or plastic bead to the string to give it a more decorative touch. This is a great way to keep your turkey beard as a reminder of your hunting trip while also making a practical and beautiful accessory.

Create wall art

Another way to utilize turkey beards is to create wall art. You can create a rustic, outdoorsy vibe by using the turkey beard to make a simple but elegant piece of wall art. All you need is a wooden frame, some wire, and your turkey beard. Cut several sections of the beard to the same length and then twist them together, creating one long strand. Attach the wire to the frame, then wrap the turkey beard around the wire. Hang the frame on the wall and enjoy your rustic work of art. This is a great way to repurpose something that might otherwise end up in the trash while creating a unique piece of decor.

Make jewelry

Turkey beards can also be used to make beautiful and unique jewelry pieces. You can simply attach the turkey beard to a necklace or bracelet, or you can create a more intricate piece by using the feathers to make earrings or a pendant. To do this, you'll need a few basic jewelry-making supplies, such as jump rings, pliers, and earring hooks. Cut the feathers to the desired length and attach the jump ring to the top. Attach the earring hook or necklace chain, and your new handmade jewelry is ready to wear. This is a great way to keep your turkey beard close to you and make a beautiful, one-of-a-kind accessory.

In conclusion, turkey beard bookmakers, wall art, and jewelry are just a few of the creative ways you can use your trophy to create something beautiful and useful. Whether you're an avid hunter or just someone who wants to repurpose a little bit of nature, there's no shortage of ways to use turkey beards in creative ways. The best part is you don't need any special skills or knowledge to create these projects, so get creative and see what you can come up with!

Hair accessories

When it comes to hunting, enthusiasts know that the turkey's beard holds significant value. Not only does it represent the number of successful hunts, but it also serves as a keepsake for the experience. But, what if we told you that there are cool things that you can do with turkey beards besides keeping them in your trophy room? That's right. By using a little creativity, you can turn your turkey beards into something useful, like hair accessories. Here are some fun and innovative ways to use turkey beards as hair accessories.

• Hair Clips - One of the simplest ways to use a turkey beard as a hair accessory is by making hair clips. All you need to do is cut the beard to your desired length and attach it to a clip using glue or wire. You can also add beads, feathers, or other decorative pieces to personalize the clip.
• Headbands - Another cool way to use turkey beards is by making headbands. To do this, cut the beard into different lengths and attach them to a headband using glue or wire. You can leave the beards plain or add other accessories, like feathers, to create a unique and rustic look.
• Hair Ties - If you prefer a more natural look, hair ties made from turkey beards are the way to go. Simply tie the beard around your ponytail or bun to add some extra style. You can use multiple beards for a thicker tie or stick to a single beard for a more subtle look.
• Barrettes - Barrettes are another fun hair accessory that you can make using turkey beards. Depending on the length of the beard, you can create small or large barrettes to suit your hairstyle. Add some beads or feathers for extra flair.
• Necklaces - Beyond hair accessories, turkey beards can also be transformed into necklaces. Cut the beard into shorter pieces and attach them to a chain using wire or string. You can also add beads or other decorative elements to make the necklace stand out.
• Earrings - Looking for something subtle? Turkey beard earrings are a unique way to accessorize your look. Use small pieces of beard and attach them to earring hooks using wire or string.

In conclusion, turkey beards are more than just hunting trophies; they make excellent raw materials for hair accessories. Whether you're looking for something subtle or a statement piece, there are many creative ways to use turkey beards. Try one of the ideas mentioned above, or come up with your own to add a touch of rustic charm to your hairstyle.

Shoe clips

If you're a turkey hunter, you may be familiar with the concept of turkey beards. These are the thin, hair-like strands that hang from the turkey's chest, and they're often used as trophies or decorations. But did you know that you can use turkey beards for other purposes too? In this article, we'll explore one creative use for turkey beards: shoe clips.

To make your own turkey beard shoe clips, you'll need a few materials. First and foremost, you'll need some turkey beards. These can be from a turkey you've hunted yourself, or you can buy them from hunting supply stores or online. You'll also need a small alligator clip, some glue (either hot glue or a strong adhesive like E6000), and any additional decorations you want to add, such as feathers or beads.

To start, trim your turkey beard to the desired length. You can leave it long and flowing, or trim it down to a shorter length if you prefer. Next, apply a small amount of glue to the base of your alligator clip, and attach the turkey beard to it. Hold the clip in place until the glue has dried and the beard is secure.

Once your beard is attached to the clip, you can start decorating it. Add some extra feathers or beads to give it more texture and color. You can also experiment with different shapes and styles, such as arranging the feathers in a fan shape or tying them into a knot.

Once your shoe clips are complete, simply attach them to your shoes and you're ready to walk out with a unique and eye-catching accessory. These shoe clips are especially great for outdoor events like weddings, parties, or festivals, where you can show off your love for hunting and the outdoors in a fashionable way.

In conclusion, making shoe clips from turkey beards is a fun and creative way to showcase your love for turkey hunting. With just a few simple materials and some creativity, you can transform a mundane pair of shoes into a unique and personalized statement piece. So next time you're wondering what to do with those turkey beards, try making some shoe clips and see where your imagination takes you.

Wall art

Turkey beards may not seem like the most obvious choice for creating wall art, but with a little bit of creativity, they can make for a unique and eye-catching decoration. Here are some fun and cool ways to turn your turkey beards into wall art:

• Feather wreath: Arrange turkey feathers in a circular pattern around a wire or foam wreath form, attaching each feather with hot glue. Use a variety of feathers, including the beards, to create a beautiful and textured wreath that will look great on any wall.
• Shadowbox display: Preserve your turkey beard in a shadowbox display. Simply mount the beard on a piece of foam board, and place it in a deep shadowbox frame. Add some decorative elements such as moss, leaves, or twigs to give it a rustic and natural feel.
• Mixed media art: Combine your turkey beard with other natural materials to create a mixed media art piece. Use twigs, leaves, or other feathers to create a 3D effect, and mount everything on a canvas or a wooden plaque for a modern and minimalist finish.
• Dream catcher: Use your turkey beard to create a beautiful and unique dream catcher. Attach the beard to a hoop with leather or string, and add feathers, beads, and other decorative elements that appeal to you. Hang the dream catcher on your wall, and enjoy the calming and serene vibe it brings to your space.
• Wall hanging: Use a turkey beard as a statement piece in a wall hanging. Knot a piece of string or leather around the base of the beard, and attach it to a wooden dowel or a piece of driftwood. Add other elements such as pom-poms, tassels, or ribbons to create a bohemian-inspired wall hanging that will elevate any room.

In conclusion, turkey beards can provide an unexpected and unique material for wall art. Use your creativity and imagination to create something truly one-of-a-kind. Your work will not only be a conversation starter but also a testament to the beauty and versatility of this overlooked natural material.

Frequently asked questions