How to Make Foam Hands
Giant novelty foam hands are an icon of tacky enthusiasm. Oftentimes, foam hands are given an extra comical connotation when their shape, color or message demonstrates an inside joke or familiarity. Though customized designs usually require a special order from a manufacturer, if you make your own foam hand crafts, you can personalize your design---or even make several different models.
Things You'll Need
- Drawing paper or computer printer
- Scissors
- 1/2- to 1-inch thick upholstery foam
- Fabric dye
- Permanent marker
- Tacky craft glue
- Acrylic paint
Instructions
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1
Create a paper pattern and cut it out. Either trace an existing foam hand, draw an outline for the shape you want freehand, or print out an image of a foam hand shape. The pattern size you want is larger that most printers can handle, so if you go this route, divide the image into quarters, print out the sections, then cut and tape the sections together to make a single pattern.
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2
Cut out two copies of the hand pattern from upholstery foam. Pin the paper pattern to the foam and cut using a utility knife. To ensure clean cuts, draw the blade lightly and quickly over the outline several times rather than pressing hard.
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3
Dye the hand cutouts. Mix fabric dye according to the instructions on the package and pour into a large, shallow tub. Immerse the foam while wearing gloves and squeeze in the dye bath to ensure that the dye saturates the foam. Soak the foam for twice the manufacturer's recommended time for fabric, weighing it down with rocks or other heavy objects in the bath.
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4
Trace the outline for wearer's hand inside the cutouts. Sandwich the foam pieces together around your hand to see how the finished product will look. Lay the bottom cutout flat on your work station, inside up, place your hand on the bottom, and trace around it in permanent marker, leaving a margin of about a half inch.
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5
Attach the two halves. Coat the inside of the bottom foam cutout thoroughly with tacky glue, leaving only the portion inside the hand outline uncovered. Place the top cutout over the bottom one. Make sure the edges are cleanly lined up on the outside. Let the glue dry.
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6
Add lettering or images using acrylic paint.
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