Mothers love keepsakes that remind them of their child or grandchild. What better way to capture a special moment in childhood than with a tiny handprint.
There are lots of gifts you can make to help a little one accomplish the task. One is a flower pot, filled with a bright flower that will remind mom of her special child every time she waters it. Take a terra cotta pot and, using a foam brush, paint it Mom’s favorite color, applying a second coat, if necessary. Make sure to allow the paint to dry thoroughly. Next, use the foam brush to “paint” the child’s hand with another color and help him/her press their hand firmly against the pot. Help them remove their hand carefully from the pot. Again, allow paint to dry thoroughly. Plant a pretty flower in the pot, or use artificial flowers, if it’s easier for the recipient.
Another handprint project is a keepsake plate. Using enamel craft paint, and the same method as with the flower pot, have your child press their handprint onto an inexpensive plain ceramic plate. Add their name and year. You can get really creative, paint a background and turn the handprint into animals. Use your imagination. Let the paint dry thoroughly and bake in the oven according to paint directions. Let mom or grandma know the plate is for decoration only; not for food. Attach a small hanging hook to the back for wall display, if desired.
Finally, try a framed handprint. Have your child, or all children in the family, for a group gift, apply their handprints on a paper background using colorful acrylic paints. Let each child use their favorite. Then have each print their name under their handprint (do it for them if they are too small to write). Let dry, then slide into a frame for hanging.
Kiddie Campus Preschool : 1407 Cannonball Trail : Yorkville, Illinois 60560 : 630-553-2440 : http://kiddiecampusyorkville.com/