DIY Fingerprint Heart – The Perfect Handmade Gift for Grandma
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to gifts for Grandma, I always feel like they need to be extra special.
So, Lily and I got crafty and made something that’s not just adorable but also frame-worthy. (Like, seriously, it looks like something you’d find in a fancy little boutique… if that boutique specialized in toddler art, of course.)
And the best part? It was easy, fun, and messy—because let’s face it, anything involving a two-year-old and paint is going to be a little chaotic.
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This DIY fingerprint heart is the perfect keepsake, whether for Grandma, a loved one, or even just to hang up in your own home as a sweet reminder of those tiny hands.
Ready to make your own? Let’s do it!
What You’ll Need:
- A piece of aquarelle paper or sturdy white paper
- Cardboard (for the heart template)
- Tape (painter’s tape works great)
- Non-toxic paints (multiple colors)
- A damp cloth or baby wipes (for wiping little fingers between colors)
- Scissors
- A picture frame (optional, but makes it look extra fancy)
Step 1: Create Your Heart Template
First, grab your piece of cardboard and cut out a heart shape. But you’re not using the actual heart. You’re using the outline of it. So, cut a big heart out of the middle, leaving you with a heart-shaped “frame.”
Now, tape this heart outline down onto your cardstock. The goal is to keep it in place while your little artist does their thing.
Tip: Use tape that won’t rip the paper when you peel it off (painter’s tape works great!)
Step 2: Let the Fingerprint Magic Begin
This is where the fun (and mess) happens! Pour small amounts of different colored finger paints onto a plate or palette.
Now, let your toddler dip their finger into the paint and start stamping all over the exposed area inside the heart template. The goal? Cover it completely with tiny fingerprints in all sorts of colors.
Things to keep in mind:
- If you don’t want the colors to mix into a muddy brown, wipe their finger clean between colors.
- No need for perfect placement—random fingerprints actually look way better!
Step 3: The Big Reveal
Once your masterpiece is fully covered in colorful fingerprints, set it aside to dry. (Resist the urge to peel off the template too soon)
Once it’s completely dry, carefully peel off the heart outline. And voilà! You’re left with a beautifully colorful heart made entirely of tiny fingerprints, with a crisp white outline framing it. It’s simple, stunning, and looks way fancier than the effort it actually took.
Step 4: Frame It Like the Work of Art It Is
To take this keepsake to the next level, we popped ours into a picture frame with a clean white border. And I have to say… it looks a-mazing!
We gifted it to Grandma, and she loved it! Now, she has a beautiful, colorful keepsake hanging in her home—a little piece of Lily’s tiny fingerprints to brighten her day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a heartfelt, easy, and adorable DIY gift, this fingerprint heart is a total win. It’s fun for little hands, makes for a sentimental keepsake, and looks absolutely beautiful framed.
So, grab some paint, embrace the mess, and let those tiny fingerprints create something magical!
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