Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and creating special memories with loved ones. One way to make the holiday season even more special is by creating handmade Christmas ornaments with your family. Handprint Christmas ornaments are a classic and adorable way to capture the tiny hands of your little ones and create a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come.
Why Make Handprint Christmas Ornaments?
Making handprint Christmas ornaments is a fun and easy activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Not only do these ornaments make great decorations for your Christmas tree, but they also serve as a sweet reminder of your child's tiny hands and the special bond you share. Plus, they make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, and uncles who will treasure these personalized ornaments for years to come.
Handprint Christmas Ornament Idea 1: Salt Dough Ornaments
To make salt dough handprint ornaments, you'll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fine salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)
- Paint and a paintbrush
- A string or ribbon for hanging
Mix together the flour, salt, and water to form a dough. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to tint the dough. Press your child's hand into the dough to create a handprint, and then use a toothpick to create a small hole at the top of the ornament for hanging. Allow the ornament to air dry completely before painting and adding a string or ribbon for hanging.
Tips and Variations
- To make the ornaments more durable, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Use a cookie cutter to create fun shapes and designs.
- Add a personalized message or your child's name to the ornament using paint or a marker.
Handprint Christmas Ornament Idea 2: Finger Paint Ornaments
To make finger paint handprint ornaments, you'll need:
- White paper or cardstock
- Finger paint
- A paintbrush
- A string or ribbon for hanging
Paint your child's hand with finger paint and stamp it onto the paper or cardstock to create a handprint. Add some festive holly, trees, or other Christmas-themed designs using a paintbrush and finger paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a string or ribbon for hanging.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of finger paint colors to create a fun and colorful design.
- Add some glitter or stickers to make the ornament more sparkly.
- Use a pre-made ornament shape or design to make the project easier.
Handprint Christmas Ornament Idea 3: Clay Ornaments
To make clay handprint ornaments, you'll need:
- Air-dry clay
- A rolling pin
- A cookie cutter
- A toothpick
- Paint and a paintbrush
- A string or ribbon for hanging
Roll out the clay to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). Press your child's hand into the clay to create a handprint, and then use a cookie cutter to create a fun shape and design. Use a toothpick to create a small hole at the top of the ornament for hanging. Allow the ornament to air dry completely before painting and adding a string or ribbon for hanging.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of clay colors to create a fun and colorful design.
- Add some texture to the ornament using a texture mat or a household item like a leaf or a piece of fabric.
- Use a pre-made ornament shape or design to make the project easier.
Handprint Christmas Ornament Idea 4: Footprint Reindeer Ornaments
To make footprint reindeer ornaments, you'll need:
- Brown paint or ink
- White paper or cardstock
- A paintbrush
- A black marker
- A string or ribbon for hanging
- Glue
- Red pom-poms or buttons
Paint your child's foot brown and stamp it onto the paper or cardstock to create a reindeer body. Add some antlers using a black marker, and then glue on some red pom-poms or buttons to create Rudolph's nose. Add some eyes and a mouth using a black marker, and then add a string or ribbon for hanging.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of paint colors to create a fun and colorful design.
- Add some glitter or stickers to make the ornament more sparkly.
- Use a pre-made ornament shape or design to make the project easier.
Handprint Christmas Ornament Idea 5: Handprint Snowman Ornaments
To make handprint snowman ornaments, you'll need:
- White paper or cardstock
- Black paint or ink
- A paintbrush
- A orange marker or paint
- A string or ribbon for hanging
- Glue
- Coal or black pom-poms
Paint your child's hand white and stamp it onto the paper or cardstock to create a snowman body. Add some coal or black pom-poms for eyes and a mouth, and then use an orange marker or paint to create a nose. Add some buttons or a scarf using glue, and then add a string or ribbon for hanging.
Tips and Variations
- Use a variety of paint colors to create a fun and colorful design.
- Add some glitter or stickers to make the ornament more sparkly.
- Use a pre-made ornament shape or design to make the project easier.
Now that you have these 5 easy handprint Christmas ornament ideas, it's time to get creative and make some special memories with your family. Remember to have fun and be patient, and don't worry if the ornaments don't turn out perfectly – it's the thought and love that counts!
What is the best way to preserve handprint Christmas ornaments?
+To preserve handprint Christmas ornaments, you can use a clear coat of varnish or Mod Podge to protect the surface. You can also store the ornaments in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
Can I use handprint Christmas ornaments as gifts?
+Yes, handprint Christmas ornaments make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, and uncles. You can also use them as gifts for teachers, neighbors, and friends.
How long do handprint Christmas ornaments last?
+Handprint Christmas ornaments can last for many years if properly preserved. With proper care, they can become a treasured keepsake for years to come.