Handprint Art

Handprint Art is a fun, tactile way for kids to express themselves while creating colourful keepsakes. Using their painted hands, children press prints onto canvas or paper and transform them into animals, flowers, trees, or festive scenes.

This activity is especially great for seasonal crafts (like turkeys for Thanksgiving or reindeer at Christmas) or for simply celebrating your child’s creativity—and growth! Handprint art makes for wonderful wall displays, cards, or gifts for family and friends.

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Materials Needed

• Canvas, cardstock, or heavy paper

• Washable paint (various colors)

• Paper plate or paint tray

• Optional: googly eyes, glitter, pom-poms, or stickers for decoration

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Tools Needed

• Paintbrushes or sponge (for applying paint to hands)

• Damp cloth or wipes for cleanup

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Steps

1. Prepare the Canvas: Lay out your canvas or paper and protect the surface underneath.

2. Paint the Hand: Use a brush or sponge to apply paint to your child’s hand.

3. Make the Print: Press the painted hand firmly onto the canvas, then lift straight off.

4. Let It Dry: Allow the handprint to dry fully.

5. Add Details: Turn the handprint into a picture—add eyes, stems, feet, or decorations using paint, markers, or craft supplies.

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Variations

• Animal Handprints: Turn prints into peacocks, elephants, fish, or dinosaurs.

• Seasonal Scenes: Make turkeys for Thanksgiving, Christmas trees, or summer suns.

• Family Hands: Layer handprints of different family members in different colors for a sweet keepsake.

• Card or Gift: Use small canvases or foldable cardstock to create handprint greeting cards.