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Creating personalized winter ornaments with children’s handprints is a wonderful activity that combines creativity and keepsake memories. These ornaments make perfect gifts for family members or charming decorations for your holiday tree.
Materials Needed
- Air-dry clay or salt dough
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters in festive shapes
- Straw or skewer for hole punching
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Ribbon or string for hanging
- Sealant spray (optional)
Steps to Make Handprint Ornaments
First, prepare your workspace by laying down a protective cover. Roll out the clay or salt dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes like circles, stars, or snowflakes.
Help children press their hands firmly onto the dough or clay to create a clear handprint. Use a straw or skewer to punch a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging later.
Allow the ornaments to dry according to the material’s instructions—air-dry clay typically takes 24-48 hours. Once dry, let children decorate their ornaments with paints. Encourage them to add festive details or personalize with their names and dates.
Finishing Touches
After painting, you can seal the ornaments with a clear spray sealant to preserve the artwork. Thread a ribbon or string through the hole for hanging on the tree. These personalized ornaments will be treasured keepsakes for years to come.
Tips for Success
- Choose non-toxic, child-safe materials.
- Assist young children with pressing their hands to ensure a clear print.
- Make multiple ornaments to create a collection of handprints over the years.
- Get creative with decorating—add glitter, stickers, or other embellishments.
This activity is not only fun but also creates meaningful holiday memories. Children will love seeing their handprints become beautiful ornaments that decorate your home each winter season.