Heart Handprint Gift

Valentine’s Day is the next fun gift-givingÂ holiday. The fun in this heart handprint gift for a Valentine’s Day gift is that your children can make a gift that will display the love for all to see for many years. It will truly be come a keepsake.

The nice thing about Valentine’s Day gifts to parents and grandparents is that, since they are given with love from the heart, they are more meaningful when designed and created by the child. Perfection is not a requirement!!

And…with dollar stores and alsoÂ craft stores with weekly coupons (local or online), low-cost Valentine’s Day handprint giftsÂ can beÂ made easily without putting a dent into the budget…especially since it comes just a few weeks after Christmas.

Today’s post gives youÂ easy DIY instructions for a heart handprint gift – a handpainted ceramic plateÂ for grandparents any of the special people in a child’s life.

Handprint Valentine Gift – Ceramic Plate

First, before you purchase the supplies, plan the design so you can determine what size plate you will allow some space forÂ poem lines if needed, and what color paints and marker you will use.

Supplies:

White ceramic plate or large tile/hot plate (Dollar Store)
Plaid FolkArt Enamel PaintsÂ and Clear Medium – or similar brand for baking on ceramic or glass objectsÂ (red, plus colors of choice)
Permanent Marker (color of choice)
Paint Brushes (wider for painting palms, narrower for fingers and also trim if desired)
Foil (non-porous table protector)
Cloth and Water (making corrections and clean-up)

1. Cut aÂ plate template of the same size out of paper. Place the child’s hands so that they form a heart as shown in the photo, addÂ words and the date.

2. When ready, clean theÂ surface of the ceramic plateÂ using soap and water. Then, clean area to be painted with alcohol. Let continue to dry for 30 minutes before painting.

3. Gently shake paint before applying. Paint child’s hands, one at a time, using a lot of paint on your brush. Be sure not to leave clumps that might drip onto the plate.

4. Cure your Valentine Handprint Poem Plate withÂ 1 of 2 methods: Baking and Air Drying

Bake Method (recommended):

Let your piece dry for 1 hour to be sure all layers of paint have dried.
Place piece in a cool oven. Set oven temperature to 350 degrees F and bake project for 30 minutes.
Plate must heat gradually with the oven to avoid breakage. Do not place in a hot oven.
After 30 minutes, turn the oven off. LetÂ plate cool completely in oven.
Do not use for 72 hours.

Air Dry Method: