With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift. However, there’s no need to overthink it. A simple Mother’s Day handprint craft from a child could bring a smile to any mother’s face. Crafting personalized portraits from handprints is an easy and inexpensive way to create a heartfelt gift. With a few brush strokes, you can transform a basic handprint into a beautiful piece of art. I call it “crafting memories art” because one day, a mother will look back at this and remember how small her child once was.
Supply List
Step 1: Apply Tempera Paint on your child’s hand
Start by applying paint to your child’s hand. You can use either tempera paint or acrylic paint, as both are non-toxic and safe for children’s skin. If you don’t have the right color, no worries, you can still use any color you have at hand. But you need to work quickly as the paint may dry fast. For the best results, apply two layers of paint to ensure the hand and all fingers are fully covered with the paint color of your choice. This way, you will get a crisp and vibrant handprint that can be used in your craft project.
Step 2: Press your child’s hand down onto a sheet of watercolor paper
Firmly press your child’s painted hand onto a sheet of watercolor paper. Make sure to apply even pressure across the entire hand, including the fingers and palm, to ensure a clear and defined print. Hold the hand in place for a few seconds, then carefully lift it to reveal the handprint. This creates the central image for your personalized portrait and provides a strong foundation for the rest of your Mother’s Day handprint portrait craft.
Step 3: Draw two arches in the center of the handprint.
After you’ve created the handprint, draw two arches in the middle. Use a fine-tipped marker or a brush with black paint. I call these “happy eyes” because they’re simple arches that resemble smiling eyes. Adding these shapes to your Mother’s Day handprint portrait craft is an easy way to give it a cheerful and personal touch. You can also glue googly eyes if you prefer! They add a playful element and a bit of 3D texture to your artwork.
Step 4: Add cute facial features to your Mother’s Day handprint portrait.
You can add cute facial features to make your Mother’s Day handprint portrait more lively and expressive. This can be done by drawing a small nose, a smiling mouth, and even eyebrows using a fine-tipped marker or a thin brush with black paint. You can also add a touch of pink paint or color to give rosy cheeks. This customization will make your portrait unique and personalized, reflecting your and your child’s character. Such features will make the portrait more engaging and unique for Mother’s Day.
Step 5: Personalization is the key!
To illustrate the hair of the mom, draw a few arched lines using a color that matches her hair. If you don’t have the correct shade, don’t worry! You can use any color you have on hand to make it work. Additionally, I added a pink bow underneath the handprint, which adds a touch of cuteness and gives the portrait a special flair. Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touches to make the portrait unique and unforgettable.
Step 6: Paint dots to create flowers!
This step brings a delightful floral touch to your Mother’s Day portrait. To create these dot flowers, dip the end of a brush or the end of a cotton swab into the paint color of your choice, then gently dab it onto the paper. Cluster the dots together to form petals, and use a contrasting color to add flower centers. These simple dot flowers can be placed around the handprint to add whimsy and elegance to your artwork. Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a charming floral design that will brighten the portrait and make it truly special.
Ta- Daa
And just like that—with a few simple lines, dots, and arches—you’ve transformed your child’s handprint into a personalized portrait for Mother’s Day! Crafting together with your child not only creates this unique artwork but also fosters a special bond and quality time. You can frame the handprint for a polished look or give it to your mom as it is, adding a personal touch. Don’t forget to include your child’s name and the date on the back for a lasting memory. This simple DIY project is a beautiful way to celebrate Mother’s Day and create something that will be cherished for years to come.
