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This handprint Christmas tree craft is a keeper. As you may imagine this was a very exciting day for us, as it was the first time my daughter really got into the action with a project. Amazingly, unlike her brother who ate the paint for over two years, it didn’t even graze her lips. This kids craft can be done with any age with varying levels of adult involvement. I love how it turned out and this one will be packed away and saved for certain.
Handprint Christmas Tree
- Gather your materials. You will need some heavy paper or paper grocery bag, a marker, green paint (we added some glitter paint to ours too), construction paper, glue, scissors and paint tape.
- Start by cutting the bag open, and then, taping it down to the table. When you are crafting with a baby or toddler it’s going to be messy but you can take a few steps to help minimize it. By taping the paper you are using to the table as well as using a piece much larger than needed you avoid the paper and paint hitting the floor and protect your table. Not to mention you also stop them from being able to grab the whole thing and trying to eat it.
- Trace their hand on a paper with the marker.
- Stack the other papers under and cut out.
- Draw the outline of a tree on the paper for the body of your handprint Christmas tree. I did ours sideways so she could reach most of it for painting.
- Time to paint! Add the paint to the paper and and then, let the baby spread it. What is this?
- “Ooh, I like it!” Remember to narrate what they are doing. “You are painting the tree. You are painting with green. Do you like it? Is it squishy?” Yes, you might feel a little foolish, but trust me, it’s important. You are teaching them even when they are too young to respond in ways we recognize.
- I had to take her out of her seat and dangle her over the table to reach the other side. She loved this, but obviously, I have no picture.
- Clean baby up and then, place her in the Exersaucer. I had 2 baby wipes on hand to wipe her hands. I find they work on paint better than anything, and then a washcloth with warm water cleaned her right up.
- Add glue to the tree.
- Next, add the hand print cut outs and then, let dry.
- Cut out your handprint Christmas tree, and then display where you can enjoy this precious work of art.
Christmas Books
Ten on the Sled by Kim Norman arrived on my door step a few months ago sent to me by the publisher for review. It is a really fun and educational book. The book is a new spin on the old song ” Ten in A Bed” but instead of squeezing onto a bed these cold weather animals pile on and off the sled one at a time. What is wonderful from an educational sense is not just the obvious counting element but as each animal exists the sled the verb used for each animal begins with the same letter as the animal does. This was fantastic for my son who wanted to sound every animal and verb out. Add a fun rhyming sing song text and this is a great option for a holiday gift.
SantaKid by James Patterson is a favorite library book in our house this year . My son inherited his love and curiosity of the inner workings of the North Pole from me and this book feeds that wonder. It also taps into something preschoolers are often seeking, power and a voice that gets heard. In the story Santa’s daughter saves the North Pole and Christmas from a corporate take over.
I liked this book, and my son did too. It doesn’t focus on the religious celebration but rather on Santa and it doesn’t take a very sophisticated kid to know it’s make believe, 3 pages in my son said ” Mommy, this is a made up story right? Santa isn’t a regular Daddy, that’s silly!” What it does is focuses on giving kids power to save something. Maybe it’s just my 4 year old but he spends all day pretending to save the day and this book spoke right to that desire to be powerful and good!
Olive, the Other Reindeer.by Vivian Walsh is probably familiar to you if not because of the book, maybe the TV special starring Drew Barrymore as the voice of Olive. If it’s new to you the story is simple, Olive is a little dog who after hearing a Christmas carol, then believes she is one of Santa’s reindeer . She journey’s to the North Pole and even though she can’t fly and is just a dog, she saves the day . I love the vibrant and busy illustrations by J. Otto Seibold and Olive’s childlike innocence. There is a reason this book has exploded into a character driven product. It’s cute and we can all relate to wanting to get to ride with Santa and his crew on Christmas Eve.
Angie Bryant says
she is so adorable…looking a lot like her brother….you are my hero…starting them so young to be free and creative at such early ages…wish I was as brave.
Aly says
First of all…she is adorable, and I’m happy to see that she will now be joining in all of the fun! Secondly, I love this craft!
Mandy says
oh my heck HOW CUTE IS SHE????!!!!!! This is my little guy’s 2nd Christmas, but he was only 2 months old last year, so it kind of doesn’t count. I can’t wait to do this with both of my boys….now 14 months and 2.5. They’re going to LOVE it 🙂
Centers and Circle Time says
ha ha ha, what a cutie! Oh and great first craft!!
Irene says
I’m so excited! I never even thought of including my 6mo old in our crafts. I was going to do the glitter discovery bottles today, but I think we will be doing the tree. The best part, my 4yr, 2yr, and baby can all participate :D.
Tara @ Feels like home says
We love it! Grace proclaimed that “She sure is cute, Mommy!” 🙂 And of course, she’s right. Love the tree, too. That’s a keeper.
alison says
this is so cute! I’m going to do it with my son for sure!
Maya says
Oh, I love it Allie! Very crafty for a first timer 🙂
maryanne says
She’s gorgeous, and she made a very cute first craft!
Sharon says
She is adorable! Glad she enjoyed getting in on the painting action. 🙂
kristen says
I’m going to try this craft at a playdate I’m hosting for a couple of kids this week! Looks fun!
Nicole says
What a sweet, sweet baby! And she looks very happy getting all messy with the paint. 🙂 I love letting them have fun like this at an early age and agree it’s SO important and good to do! What an adorable tree too – definitely a keeper!
Jana says
Adorable!!! and she looks just like you.
Christopher Ouellette says
I did this with my 20 month and 4.5 year old. At first I tried to be thematically thrifty and used wrapping paper, but the paint didn’t “stick” and it made a mess. Then I used news print, but cut it in half instead of the full sheets so the trees were too small, but the kids had a great time. Thanks so much.
Ria says
I absolutely love that your site is dedicated to sharing your experience with so many beautiful ideas. I am a new mother and have been researching ways to do things with my daughter that are both fun and educational. Funny,I was looking into flash cards and your site came up. I really enjoy the other contributing writers as well. I will continue to read, perhaps you have any tips for me? I have a 6 month old.
Josephine Parsons says
I’m pretty free with my son (almost 4) when it comes to crafts, making messes etc…BUT I’m struggling to get my daughter out there in the kitchen to join in on our fun (she’s the same age as your daughter) Guess that’s my New Year’s resolution!!!
admin says
I need to make some baby safe sensory tubs for her other than this craft she hasn’t done anything really!
Angell @ Passionate and Creative Homemaking says
Hi! I’ve been a follower of yours for a few years now. I just LOVE your stuff!
I’m just letting you know that this month I am having a Christmas in July Celebration on my blog and I featured this today! (expect to hear from me a few times this month – you have a lot of good stuff on here! lol!)
http://passionateandcreativehomemaking.blogspot.com/2012/07/day-1-christmas-in-july.html
admin says
What a fun idea!