How to make handprint ornaments?

[chels_c2000]

What is the best way to make a handprint ornament with a 3 month old. I am hoping to make them as presents for grandparents and keepsake for us as well. I have heard about the salt dough idea. Any other ones? Or best way to get the salt dough one to work best.

Thanks

[swampangel]

After you paint it if you use the salt dough, you might want to put some kind of protective coat on it...I did handprints of my boys when they were small and they are very fragile. I never painted them (one of my many unfinished projects!) and one of the fingers broke. We glued it but I think after I paint them I'm going to use gesso or something to seal it and offer more protection.

[greenmamato2]

that's a great idea!

[slsurface]

A couple ideas (in addition to the salt dough ornament):

I just made a cute felt handprint ornament. I first traced DS's hand onto paper. Then I cut out the paper handprint to use as a pattern for cutting out felt in holiday colors. I stitched the year on one of the felt handprints, then stitched two felt prints together using the blanket stitch. I inserted a length of ribbon in the middle finger as I stitched it together, to make a hanger. Turned out very cute.

You can also make press you LO's handprint in femo or sculpy clay, then bake in the oven to set up and harden the clay. Before baking, us a straw to cut a small hole for a ribbon to hang the ornament.

Another idea is to put handprints on clear glass balls using glass paint. Or onto ceramic balls using underglaze at a ceramic studio (if you have one in your area).

Have fun!