Glitter Handprint Art for Kids

Handprint art seems like it’s part of childhood. Right? You made those sweet little paintings when you were young, and now your tot totes home handprint butterflies, hearts, hugs and bugs from pre-k almost every day.

If you’re looking for a printing art activity that doesn’t involve paint (and is super sparkly), this glitter art activity is a twist on the traditional project. Yes, it’s messy. But, don’t the kiddos always enjoy making an ooey, gooey, glittery project anyway?

You can change up the basics of this activity, fitting it into different ‘themed’ needs. For example, it’s New Year’s Eve, so use gold glitter, cut out the handprint, pierce it with a straw or wooden dowel and make your own ‘ball drop’. For other holidays, try themed glitter colors (such as red and pink for Valentine’s day, orange and black for Halloween, green and red for Christmas or red, white and blue for July 4^th). Along with the sparkles, your child can try pairing a themed paper color (such as black paper with orange glitter for Halloween).

And on to the art-making …

Here’s What You’ll Need:

·        Clear-drying school glue

·        Card stock paper (or another thick paper – the glue will soak through thin printer types of papers)

·        A paintbrush

·        Glitter

Here’s What to Do:

1. Squeeze a nice-sized dollop of glue into the palm of your child’s hand. Use enough to coat the entire (palm side) of her hand.

2. Spread the glue out with the paintbrush.

3. Press your child’s hand down on to the paper, leaving the glue print behind.

4. Sprinkle the sparkles over the glue.

5. Shake off the excess.

6. Decorate the handprint in any way your child wants. She can add another handprint, use paint or markers to make a glittering animal or add words to it. She can also arrange a few handprints to make a shape or create a larger picture such as a two handprint butterfly.

Encourage your child to paint the glue on different parts of her hand or move her hand into different positions in order to print. For example, three fists stacked vertically can make a snowman or two fists next to each other can become wheels on a glittering truck. Your child can also repeat the art activity using finger prints instead of entire handprints. She can create glitter finger print people, make a finger print rainbow or design sparkling lady bugs.

Are you looking for more glitter art? Follow my Pinterest board for ideas!

Follow Mini Monets and Mommies's board Kids' Glitter Art on Pinterest.