Inexpensive Gifts for Grandparents: Make Handprint Snowman Ornaments

This project is an inexpensive and personal gift that your children can make to give to grandparents or other close friends and family. Make this handprint snowman ornament to give on Christmas, as a birthday present, or for a special occasion.

Approximate Time: 1 day to allow for the paint to dry

Approximate Cost: Less than $5 per ornament

Supply List:

Clear glass round ornaments (usually come in packs of 4)

White craft paint

Orange craft paint

Black craft paint

Red craft paint

Glistening snow writer (paint)

3/8 inch red velvet ribbon - use 3/8 yard for each ornament

Silver embroidery floss (optional)

Black fine-tip pen

Twinkle Flakes (Soft Snow brand - synthetic flakes - come in 2 ounce bags)

White Snow Flakes (Soft Snow brand - synthetic flakes - come in 3.5 quart bags)

Glue

Scissors

Paintbrush

White paper

Red cardstock

Holepunch

Purchasing Tips: All these materials are available from craft stores or online. Check out places such as Michaels, JoAnns, or Hobby Lobby.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Snowmen Handprint Ornaments:

1. Apply a thick layer of white paint to your child's hand - either the left hand or right hand will work for this project.

2. Help your child place his or her hand firmly against one side of a clear glass ornament. Be sure that you press each finger and the palm securely to get a good print.

3. Make as many handprint ornaments as you need.

4. Allow the handprint to dry completely.

5. Use the black paint to free-hand paint a snowman hat, eyes, mouth, and buttons on each fingerprint. See picture 1 for an example.

6. Use the orange paint to add a carrot nose to each fingerprint. Be sure not to smudge the black paint.

7. Set aside to dry.

8. Use the red paint to add a scarf to each snowman. I used red glitter paint for added sparkle. You could also choose a different scarf color for each child.

9. Set aside to dry.

10. Use the glistening snow writer to add snow flakes and snow drops to the ornament. A good brand is DecoArt and the writer comes in a 2 ounce bottle. The snow writer will look white when you apply it to the ornament, but it will dry mostly clear with a dimensional glitter effect. First apply the snow writer to one side of the ornament only.

11. Set aside to dry.

12. Use the snow writer to add snowflakes to the back side. Allow time to dry.

13. Use the black fine-tip marker to write the child's name and date on the bottom of the white handprint on each ornament.

14. Remove the metal top of each ornament. Add the synthetic snowflakes to the inside of each ornament. I filled each ornament about ½ way with equal measures of the twinkle flakes for beautiful sparkles and the white flakes for volume.

15. Cut a 3/8 yard length of the red velvet ribbon. Tie this ribbon to the ornament to be used as the hanging device.

16. Print on a computer or write with the black fine-tip pen on the white paper. Write a special message to the person receiving the gift. Be sure to include the child's name and date.

17. Glue this piece of white paper to some red cardstock. Add stickers or other decorations if desired.

18. Punch a hole in this decorative tag and use the silver embroidery thread to attach the tag to the ornament.

Tips and Tricks for Making Handprint Snowmen Ornaments:

1. I found that this project was much easier to do in the morning before my child was too sleepy! You'll get more cooperation and better handprint impressions.

2. This can be a messy project so you may want to protect your working surface.

3. Be sure to allow the paint to dry completely to avoid smudges.

4. Make a complete set of handprint ornaments featuring all your children to give to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and more. For dog lovers, include one using your dog's paw print.