a simple craft :: handprint and footprint art

I absolutely love doing handprint and footprint art with my kids. Not only do they think it’s super fun to dip their hands and feet in paint and see those prints on paper but I get a small keepsake that, in 15 or 20 years, we can pull out and reminisce at how little those their fingers and toes were! They are fun, time-passing art projects now but priceless memories later!

Last Summer I did these cute footprint canvases with my kids:

This year I’m thinking of doing more! So, I went on the handprint and footprint animal hunt to find more options. And there are some really cute ones! But, wait! Don’t scroll down to see those cutsey animals quite yet! First, here are a few hints on creating adorable hand/footprint art:

Tip 1: If you are thinking of displaying your adorable art, consider picking up small canvases from your local art supply store. There’s no need to frame the canvas, just hang as is!

Tip 2: Date it! Be sure to make the year and whose print it is (if you have more than one kid) somewhere on the project.

Tip 3: While having the kids dip their hands or feet in a glob of paint can be fun for them, consider brushing the paint on their hand or foot to actually do the print. This will help control how much paint is being used and how well the print will turn out. Also, brushing on the paint allows you to create color patterns for your animal print! (i.e. strips on the butterfly or bumble bee)

Tip 4: Create an animal forest! I love the small, single animal canvases but I really love the idea of creating an entire animal forest! This would be a great piece for a child’s bedroom or playroom. Instead of doing individual canvas prints, purchase a large canvas that can fit multiple animal! Have the kids do one animal print each year and watch as their forest (and hands/feet) grow!

Ok, now on to the cutesy animals!

(photo credits & how-to’s: goldfish, peacock, owl, tiger, elephant, leopard, reindeer, zebra, bald eagle, flamingo or ostrich, giraffe, polar bear, hippo, seahorse, koala, penguin, frog, pig, beaver)

What other animal prints can you think of doing or have done? I also love the idea of lions or monkeys! My son loves those right now!!