Holiday Handprint Banner

Families always treasure handprint decorations! This easy relief print makes a wonderful, personalized gift for any holiday.

• 1.

  Here's a way to make a cherished handprint present for parents or grandparents. You'll use an easy art technique called relief printing.

• 2.

  Measure a square or any shape you choose on construction paper. Mark the edges with Crayola® Colored Pencils. Cut out your banner with Crayola Scissors.

• 3.

  Cover your art area with recycled newspaper. Paint the background of your plaque with gold Crayola Premier Tempera and Paint Brushes. Air dry.

• 4.

  On a foam tray, use your colored pencils to press in a holiday symbol such as a Christmas tree, dreidel, candle, or flower. If this is for a gift, choose something that interests the person to whom you will give the banner. Remember, the design will print in reverse. Cut out your printing block.

• 5.

  What color do you think will stand out on the gold background? Brush Crayola Washable Paint on your printing block. Stamp a pattern on your gold paper. Add paint to your stamp as needed. Air dry.

• 6.

  Using your hand as a stamp, paint it with a contrasting color of Crayola Washable Finger Paint. Press your palm on your banner. Print both hands if you like. Wash your hands with soap and water. Air dry your banner on a flat surface.

• 7.

  Punch two holes at the top of your banner. Draw ribbon or yarn through the holes and tie to form a hanger.

• 8.

  Punch two more holes on the bottom. Run more ribbon through these holes and tie into a bow. Be sure to write the date on the back of your banner. Next year, your hands will be bigger!

Benefits

• Students identify symbols for a selected holiday (or symbols that represent the individual for whom the banner will be made).
• Students design a printing stamp with one of those symbols.
• Students apply basic relief printing or stamping techniques to make a holiday banner.

Adaptations

• Using these same relief printing techniques, create matching holiday cards, classroom party invitations, and stationery.
• For more intricate designs, make stamps with several different symbols. Figure out how to place them on the banner for a pleasing effect.
• Students with special needs or those who are reluctant to paint their hands could make a foam printing stamp of their hand instead.
• Use your fingertips as stamps. Brush a light coat of Crayola Washable Finger Paint on your fingertip and press on paper. Add Crayola Washable Marker to your imprint to create designs.