Holiday Handprint Banner

Why

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


Steps

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!


Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Crayola Washable Paints—Not for use as body/face paint.

Recycled Foam Produce Trays—Wash in hot, soapy water. No meat or poultry trays should be used.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

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.

Related Lesson Plans

Lesson Plans

 

Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Paint Brushes
  • Erasable Colored Pencils
  • Washable Kid's Paint
  • Washable Fingerpaints
  • Premier™ Tempera Paint
  • Blunt-Tip Scissors
household supplies
  • recycled newspaper
  • hole punch
  • paper towels
  • ribbon
  • recycled foam produce trays
  • container(s) of water
  • measuring tool

Overview

grades

  • Pre-K and Kindergarten
  • Grades 1 to 3
  • Special Needs

subjects

  • Language Arts
  • Visual Arts

time

  • Multiple Sessions

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.

Cirriculum

Research Canada Standards
Research UK Standards
Research U.S. Standards