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When you’re a busy mama bee, life is a whirlwind. Between work, errands, housekeeping, and keeping your little one entertained, finding time for creative activities can feel impossible. But what if you could create a lasting memory and adorable keepsake that your child will love making in just a few minutes? Enter the big wide world of handprint art!
This (nearly) mess-free, quick and easy activity is perfect for busy moms who want to bond with their child and create something special without the hassle. Not to mention wanting to make something that your little one will actually finish before their attention span runs awry. So go ahead and ditch the complicated crafts and get ready to unleash your child’s inner artist with some handprint fun.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Paint in a variety of colors (I recommend Crayola Washable Project Paint)
- Paintbrushes
- Paper (cardstock or construction paper works best!)
- Baby wipes, damp washclothes, or a nearby sink for cleanup
How to get started:
- Choose your masterpiece! Handprint art allows for absolutely endless possibilities. I’ve listed a few ideas below to get that creative mind churning. Be sure to keep your child’s special interests in mind as well!
- A blooming flower: Start by painting a green stem with some leaves on your paper. Have your child add their handprint to the top of stem to create your the bloom.
- A cute tree: Paint a brown trunk on your paper, then add handprints in different colors to become the leaves.
- CHANGE IT UP: Is there some broccoli in your fridge threatening to die? Have your child dip florets in different colors of paint to make the leaves. This is great for spring (they can add fingerprint fruit or flowers on top of the leaves) or fall (use reds, yellow and oranges for the leaves).
- A colorful butterfly: Paint a large body for the butterfly in the middle of your paper. Have your child do a handprint on either side for the wings. Add thumbprint bees around around the butterfly for an extra bout of smiles.
- A silly monster: Get creative! Use handprints for the monster’s head, body, feet, or all of the above! Add details likely googly eyes and extra paint details while your child’s imagination runs wild.
- Not feeling these? Print a template to get started. Handprint art templates are one of my favorite things to make! Check out my Etsy shop for printable ideas ranging from flower pots to Bible stories, Father’s day, Memorial Day and more!
- Prep your artist: Apply a thin layer of paint to your child’s hand using a paintbrush. Alternatively, pour some paint onto a paper plate and let them dip their hand in that to cover it.
- Make a handprint! Help your child press their hand to the paper. Hold it down for a few seconds and make sure that all of those fingers are pushed down for best results.
- Add details: Once the handprint is there, add extra details like eyes, a smile, antennas, etc. They can even use their fingerprints to add other embellishments like bees, polka dots, flowers, etc.
- Get cleaned up and display their masterpiece: Wipe hands clean with baby wipes, a damp cloth, or help them make it to the sink so you can wash all the paint off with good old fashioned soap and water. Let their artwork dry and then hang it up for everyone to admire.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you’re sticking to paper or canvas, Crayola Washable Project Paint is amazing and comes out of clothes easily. I usually spray a bit of Oxi Clean Max Force stain remover on it to be safe, but I’ve never had an issue. If you’re using a different medium like wood or stone, you’ll need to use acrylic or ceramic paint – both of which will not come out. If this is the case make sure to have your child use a smock or apron. I also use an old waterproof blanket as a drop cloth in this case. If you have a toddler you can strip their clothes off and let them paint in their diaper.
- Use a variety of colors to make artwork pop!
- Get the rest of the family involved in the fun!
- Take pictures or even a video of your child creating their masterpiece to better capture the memories.
Make it a Gift!
Handprint art is one of my favorite go-to gifts for grandparents, Dad, teachers, or any other loved on. Here a few ways to turn your child’s masterpiece into a special keepsake gift:
Frame it! A simple frame can elevate a piece of artwork into a treasured keepsake.
Mat it: Adding a colorful mat around their artwork can make it look instantly more polished.
Make a card: Use your child’s handprint (or footprint, or thumbprints!) to create a one-of-a-kind card for a special occasion or holiday. This is a great option for Father’s Day, Grandparents’ Day and Teacher Appreciation!)
Get Crafty: Buy a simple wooden tray and let your child paint over it bright colors, then add their handprints in white paint. I recommend acrylic or ceramic paint for this, so be sure to get the smock and drop cloth out!
Make a journal: My husband and I aren’t huge on buying gifts and we had our son choose a journal for both of us. For holidays and birthdays, we have him draw or paint us a picture in it. When he gets older he’ll have the option to write in it as well.
Think outside the box: If your child is a little bit older, you can have them add a small message or poem next to their handprint to make it more personal.
A fast and easy way to make cherished keepsakes
Handprint art is one of my favorite go-to ways to let my preschooler spend some controlled time with paint, and it’s a great way to make keepsakes for years to come. We’ve made cards, Easter crosses, Memorial Day artwork, Father’s Day gifts, wooden trays for display and platters for Grandpa with handprints and he’s loved every moment of it.
So get the paint, get messy, and make some lasting memories as you bond with your child in the present moment while you create your own mommy and me masterpieces!
