How to Make Baby Handprints
As the years pass, you may want a reminder of those early days of small fingers and toes. Making a cast of your baby's handprints will capture a moment for eternity. Expensive kits are available, but there is no need to purchase one. Most use common plaster of Paris, which is available at craft stores. You can use your cast handprint as a wall hanging or display it on a plate stand for years to come, bringing back memories of soft baby skin and grasping fingers.
Instructions
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Choose a mold. Paper containers or aluminum pie plates make good molds. Anything disposable in the size and shape you desire will work.
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Mix 1 part water to 2 parts plaster of Paris. The mixture should be thick, so that it's just pourable. You may need to add more plaster to reach the right consistency.
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Coat the mold with vegetable oil and pour the plaster into it. Smooth with a spoon.
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Coat the baby's hands with vegetable oil. Gently press them into the plaster. If you make a mistake or the baby balls a fist, you can smooth it over with a spoon and try again.
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Allow the plaster to dry overnight. Lift it from the mold. Paper molds can be torn away.
Carve the baby's name and date in the wet plaster with a toothpick.
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Tips & Warnings
Paint the cast or write the date on it with a paint pen.
Wash the baby's hands immediately, so plaster doesn't make its way to the baby's mouth.
References
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Comments
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Anonymous
Dec 06, 2011
This really is a great idea and a beautiful keepsake. Just for the records, if you want to make a hand- or footprint of baby you can also buy a ready-made clay hanging keepsake kit. A holiday kit is also available, it includes festive ribbons, etc.
