DIY Handprint Bouquets

Just in time for Valentines Day! This craft is fun, cute and simple!

For this project you will need:

Paint (Red)
Paint Brush
Paper (I used regular construction paper)
Pipe Cleaners (Green & Pink for a bow)
Scissors
Marker
Tape/Hot Glue Gun
Laminating Paper (optional)

Since I created a few bouquets for the family, and have two children, this project took me a little longer than if you were to create one. But still, it was simple enough! If you are a handprint master then this will be a piece of cake! I tend to avoid handprint art because, well... I'm lazy. This actually wasn't hard at all!

First, paint the child's hand. I stuck with one hand to make clean up easier. I've learned the less paint the better. Do an even layer over the entire hand.

Next, press the hand firmly and press over each finger. Pinkies and Thumbs are easily left off if you don't give them a little help.

Perfect! Now, do this as many times as you would like! I did 2 handprints per child, per bouquet. I would have definitely added more if I was only making one bouquet.

Lay the papers flat to dry. Mine dried fairly quickly, within 30 minutes.

When the handprints are dry, begin cutting them out along the edge. I did my daughter's handprints in two different shades so I could clearly tell whose were whose.

After I cut out the handprints I labeled them on the back with my child's name, the year and their current age.

If you are using tape, you will want to write this information on the back top of the handprints so it does not get covered.

After this step, I self laminated the handprints. This was by far the most complicated part. I am the world's worst laminator and always somehow mess it up. Surprisingly, it didn't go too bad. This step was more to protect the paper and handprints so they would last throughout the years for memories! Again, this step is completely optional.

After you cut out the handprints, you can attach them to the "stem". I used a hot glue gun and it worked like a charm! I simply placed the glue on the back of the handprint and laid the pipe cleaner on top and pressed it down securely.

Now you will have beautiful handprint flowers!

I twisted the bottoms of the stems together and tied it with a pink bow to finish it off!

I'm going to play around with different ways to finish off the bouquets and will update the blog later! Have fun creating your own unique bouquets for your loved ones!