keepsake handprints

I wasn't going to post about this because it was meant to be a Christmas craft but I didn't realise how long the project would take and of course ran out of time. But, I love how I have these tangible memories of how small they are right.now. So I thought I'd share anyway, since it can be done for any reason what so ever!

I have this handprint of mine - the date on the back says 1989. I don't remember making it, but I have it and it is so very special to me. I have no idea what material was used to make it, I am thinking plaster of paris but I can't be sure.

I have attempted to record my little guy's footprint in plaster of paris before and to be honest I found it really difficult and the end result was not that great. Shame.

But I came across this stuff at my local hardware store {Bunnings} and thought I'd give it a go.

It is air drying clay and you can paint it, perfect! It's called Boyle Air Drying Clay - it was about $7 or $8 for the 1 box. I got 2 handprints out of this, but they are pretty small hands to begin with.

I rolled it out on baking paper so it wouldn't stick.

I placed their hands on the clay and pressed down. I should have pressed down further on Noah's as his hand print isn't as clear down the bottom. Next time.

I let them air dry a little and then cut out the circle shape using a knife.  I left enough room above the hand print to make a small hole. I used the end of a wooden spoon to achieve the nice round hole. This is for a ribbon so I can hang it.

I let them dry on the baking paper out of the way in a cupboard. The only thing I'm not 100% happy with is the little cracks along the edges that developed during the drying process. Anyone know how to avoid these?

Once completely dry {a few days - 1 week later} I painted them with gold metallic paint. Why gold? Well, because it was supposed to be a Christmas ornament for around the house. I think I'll make it a tradition to do these prints either at each birthday or each Christmas.

I used a sponge to get an even finish that wasn't too heavy.

I love them and hope my kids enjoy seeing how teeny their hands were at one point in their lives.