Hands-Down and Step-Above-the-Rest Prints

This fun craft activity uses homemade finger paint and an easy template.

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Do you and your child want to make a handmade gift for someone special? Whether you make it for Father’s or Mother’s Day or a birthday gift, this craft activity is hands down or a step above the rest!

We’ve adapted the activity from funhandprintartblog.com using homemade fingerpaint. Finger painting is a wonderful way for children to explore and learn through sensory play while developing fine motor skills. The paint can be spread on paper or your child’s tray. Depending on their developmental ability, your child can make patterns with their hands, fingers, or feet. Talk to your child about what’s happening while they paint and describe the paint’s textures and colors. “This red paint is really slippery! I love your spots!”

Make the finger paint with this easy RECIPE and print our hand template HERE. Protect your child’s clothing with an apron or a shirt you don’t mind getting paint on.

First, spread some of the fingerpaint on a cookie sheet or your child’s tray with a spatula or spoon.

Using hand under hand, help your child press their hand into the paint. Make two upside-down handprints on the template. Sign the template and let it dry.

If your child doesn’t want to put their hand in the paint, you can trace their hands on the template, and using hand under hand, help your child dip a fingertip into the paint and fill in the outline of the handprint with their paint-covered finger. Alternatively, your child can use a piece of sponge or a paintbrush to put paint on the page. You and your child can sprinkle sea salt or play sand on the wet handprint or footprint to give it texture.

If your child prefers to use their feet for sensory play, you can make footprints in the paint and use our template HERE.

If your child will be a braille reader and writer, ask your EI-TVI to put braille on your child’s gift.