How to Make Handprint Plaques

A handprint plaque provides a permanent reminder of what a child's hands look like at a specific moment in life. Follow these steps to make one with your child.

Things You'll Need

• Plaster of Paris
• Aluminum pie pan
• Water
• Nails
• Food color (optional)

Instructions

1. Read the directions for the plaster of Paris and prepare it accordingly.

2. Add food color to the plaster of Paris mix if you desire a different color handprint plaque. This is optional, but may make the handprint plaque more picturesque.

3. Pour a small amount of the prepared plaster of Paris into a greased aluminum pie pan.

4. Gently grease the subject's hand and press it delicately into the middle of the pie pan. Hold the hand in the plaster of Paris for a couple of minutes.

5. Carefully take the hand out of the pie pan and allow the plaster of Paris to set completely.

Tips & Warnings

• To hang the handprint plaque on a wall, insert a nail into the plaster of Paris before it sets (while it is still moist). If the plaque is not going to be hung on the wall, it can be placed on a small easel for display.

• To make the handprint plaque more personal, use one of the nails or any pointed object to write the child's name and age above or below the handprint before the plaster of Paris sets.