I’ve had several people ask about the handprints on my blog and Facebook page. These are among my most prized possessions, and I’m happy to share with you the “instructions” to make your own!
- Find a plastic lid a little larger than your child’s hand. I wanted three different sizes, one unique size for each of my kids.
- Place plastic wrap over the cupped inside of the lid.
- Press air-dry clay into each lid, using the lip of the lid as the mold for the circle.
I used Crayola Air-Dry Clay, but there are other brands available.
- To make the impression, you’ll need to press the child’s fingers and palm firmly with your hand to get them to sink in deep enough to make a visible impression. Press each finger evenly, so you don’t get a deeper impression on one than the others. If you aren’t happy with the impression, knead the clay and start over until you get a nice, even impression.
- Pinch or press the edges to give it a hand-made look. Be careful not to wrap the clay around the edge of the lid, or you won’t be able to lift it out.
- When it’s just right, carve the child’s initials or name and date into the clay.
- Carefully remove the clay from the lid. If it gets out of shape, lay it flat and gently press it using something smooth. (If you use your fingers you’ll leave prints in the clay.)
- Let the clay dry according to the package instructions.
- For a dimensional, distressed look, paint a base coat in a dark, flat color. (I used navy blue and hunter green. Black would look great, too.) When the paint is dry, use Rub n Buff for the metallic finish. Rub n Buff is a metallic wax product that gives a beautiful, hand rubbed finish that you can’t get from paint. It’s available in about a dozen different shades. Protect your work surface, as Rub n Buff is tough to get off. I usually wear disposable gloves for easy cleanup.
Rub n Buff comes in many different metallic shades. I blended different shades of gold to get a patina finish.
- Let the Rub n Buff dry for a couple of days before handling the piece.
- Display on an easel or hang on the wall with a plate hanger. Cherish them forever, for their handprints will never be that size again!
Lisha Writes 
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Lisha, I mention you in my blog because this awesome project:
http://ichoosehappynow.com/2011/12/01/cup-of-joy/the-count-down-for-christmas-now-has-begun-and-a-childs-perfect-christmas-gifts/
Cheers,
Louise
Fantastic! I love the spin you put on it!
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Thanks for sharing this. Seeing the picture on your Facebook page made me want to try it!
Let me know how they come out!! (Post a pic on my FB page!)
Ok, gonna give this a shot. Did you just use acrylic paint for the base coat? Off to see if these supplies can be delivered to my doorstep, otherwise it probably won’t happen. Such is life in the big city.
Yes, regular acrylic paint. I got everything from Michael’s. 🙂 I want to see when it’s done!!
Everything can be left with my doorman within 48 hours due to the wonders of Amazon! Any suggestions on size of plate stand…they have several starting at 3 inches all the way up to 16 inches.
Love it!!! Thanks so much!! I bought TWO different kits that were about $20 each and didn’t get very good results (one got you to use the cardboard box as a mold – never was able to get the cardboard off!) so it’ll be nice to re-do them for a fraction of the cost.
The clay is about $10 a bucket, and I think I used two buckets. I wanted them to be nice and thick so they wouldn’t break.
Hi! I am so excited to try this out. My kids love arts and crafts!
Cheers,
Louise
You’ll treasure them forever!