Perfect Baby Handprints and Footprints

As a first time mom, when the Christmas season came around last year, it was my mission to make sure that every grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin...well pretty much everyone...received either a picture of the most adorable baby ever or a special Baby's First Christmas memento.

So, after browsing through Pinterest interest for hours on end, I found the cutest footprint and hand print Christmas crafts I could find and went to work.

At first, attempting to paint a 5 month olds VERY ticklish toes and trying to get that perfect foot print was incredibly frustrating and messy. I'm sure more paint ended up on me rather than on the plate. Then there were those teeny tiny fingers with that damn grasp reflex. Sure, it's adorable when those tiny fingers grab onto your finger, but when you are trying to get that perfect handprint..well enough said. 

But after a few tries and a lot of patience, we both became pros!

So, here's Mama Laur's Tips for Hand Printing Babies!

- Use washable paint first, until you and baby are used to the feel of the paint and brush. Once that "skill" is mastered, move onto acrylic paint for a more permanent print.
-More paint does not make for a better print...just a messy one.
- Strip baby down to her diaper...paint always ends up on clothes.
-Be patient. If your baby grabs and clenches the brush don't try, wait until she releases her grip to remove the paint brush. (Sponge brushes are the best for babies). Use patience when doing the hand print as well, wait until the baby's hand is relaxed before you press it to the material. As soon as the hand touches the plate, it will tense, so gently but firmly place your hand overtop to prevent smudging.

Also, if you're gift giving budget is tight, I recommend a trip to the Dollar Store! Purchase a few plates or mugs, sponge brushes and acrylic paint in your desired colors! Wash and dry when you get home. After you have your perfect print (which is REALLY easy on these preglazed prints, because you can "touch up" the print) you'll need to spray it with a sealer. I bought mine at Michaels for $8.

Best of luck and to start you off, here are a few of my favorite prints!