How to Make a Handprint Father's Day Gift with Plaster of Paris

This Father's Day Craft will be a sure hit with Dad! Your child's hand will forever be "imprinted" on his heart!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plaster of Paris
• Clean meat tray
• Tooth pick
• A large paper clip
• A piece of felt
• Tempera paint, if desired

1. Mix some plaster of paris according to the manufacturer's directions and pour it in the meat tray. Near the left side of the meat tray, press your child's hand into the plaster of paris and let it set there for about 10 seconds. Pull it straight out and wash your child's hand.

2. Before the plaster of paris dries completely, write "Happy Father's Day! Love, (your child's name) (The year made). Also, tear away a piece of the meat tray at the top to insert the paper clip to make a hanger. Before inserting the paper clip, open it up fully and bend it in a "U" shape.

3. If desired, your child can paint the plaster of paris. Use two different colors and paint your child's hand one color and the rest of the piece another color.

4. Cut the piece of felt to the size of the meat tray and glue it to the back of the craft using craft glue, such as Tacky Glue". Let the entire project dry completely for a few days before giving this to Dad for Father's Day.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you mix the Plaster of Paris, you have to work quickly. Have everything ready to go. It dries fast!
• It's better to mix the Plaster of Paris a bit on the wet side as opposed to a bit dry.
• Brush a clear glaze over the plaster of paris to preserve the paint.