Now that I’m a mom, I’m a little obsessed with handprints.
It’s a love-hate relationship though. Mostly because I don’t think my house can handle 30 different handprint items for each of my children. Instead of hoarding all the handprints for myself, I’ve decided to use these adorable little hands to make presents for other people, mostly grandparents.
The best part of doing handprint crafts at a paint your own pottery shops is the price. While some items can be pricey at these shops, the mugs and plates are usually $5-12. I consider that to be an absolute steal when it comes to gift giving. Not to mention that the overall experience counted as a fun outing for Robert. He had a blast making this artwork while I touched up his handprints.
I can’t believe the paints entertained him enough to let me finish this plate for my mother in law.
I was even able to make a mug for my mom. Now that I’m looking at the mug, I can’t help but think of Wilson from Cast Away. Maybe I should have used a different color!
Here are some more inspirations to help you figure out what to paint for if you want to do a paint your own pottery gift for Mother’s Day. Most of these are simple. The hardest part is the writing. Why is it so hard to write with a paint brush? If you are lucky, the paint place should have paint pens. I’ve seen those before, but they didn’t have them at our shop the last time I went.
Flower plate from Southern Mamas
Butterfly print by South Shore Mamas
Life’s a beach footprints
The great thing about footprints and handprints is that they are going to look kid friendly and messy anyway. It takes away a lot of the stress that comes with paining pottery. Does anyone else get that stressed out feeling when painting pottery? It’s like there is too much pressure! With handprints and footprints you really can’t mess it up because the grandparents will be happy no matter what. Trust me.
Pro tip: if you have a tiny baby, use feet instead of hands. Don’t do handprints until they have passed the point where balling up their hands is a reflex. I learned this from a friend who worked in a pottery shop. Best advice ever!
What are your favorite handprint and footprint crafts?
Hi Hannah!
I came by your site expecting to say CONGRATS on the new family addition…. HOWEVER… lol.. and you’re still posting great articles when a baby is due any second!
Anyhow, my mom still has our fingerprint stuff hanging on her fridge. from back when we were in 2nd or 3rd grade.
Every time I look at those tiny hands of mine, it and see the person I am now, it helps to remind me that kids grow up in no time… and to value every drop of every moment with them (even the tough times when I want to take 3 hour showers just for some peace and quiet)
Have a great day… and a possible new Birth DAY!!!
This is a great idea! I love the butterfly one and the life’s a beach. And I totally laughed out loud when you said the mug reminded you of Wilson! My mother-in-law would love something like this! I am definitely going to do this. We have a pottery place a mile from our house!
These would make such lovely, heart-felt gifts for Christmas. I will have to make some of these for my loved ones. Thanks for the inspiration!
Yes, these are great for Christmas too. I love giving gifts from the heart. Let me know if you give it a try!
These gift ideas are so cute. Homemade gifts are the most meaningful. Mother’s day is around the corner again and I will be looking at these for gifts. Thanks for sharing!
Great! They really are the best gifts.