Clay Handprint Project

I started a box last summer of Payten's projects and colorings because I love seeing how much she progresses (even from one week to the next), and I think she will really enjoy being able to go back and look at all her fun she had as a toddler when she is older. I am a huge pack rat when it comes to anything of Payten's. I've started multiple scrapbooks for her, have all her pictures placed by year on my computer (someday, I'll get these put on individual memory cards to give her as well), and anything I don't know what to do with...I throw into her keepsake box! Anyways, back to the point of this blog post! A clay handprint keepsake: I've seen this project before, and LOVED the idea of it. I think it's adorable, especially, since I am a huge fan of keeping track of Payten's hand growth. Although, I wasn't sure how to do it, so this week I finally found a recipe and directions on how to do it!

Clay Handprint Project:

What you'll need- Flour, Salt, Water, Vegetable Oil, and Paint

Step One: Preheat oven to 200 degrees

Step Two: Combine four cups flour, one cup salt, and one and a half cups HOT tap water. Add two teaspoons of vegetable oil

Step Three: Kneed dough (If dough is too dry- add water/if dough is too wet- add flour)
Step Four: Have your child place his/her hand in the dough (Try not to make the dough more than a half inch thick in places, otherwise, it will take a couple days to harden good)...With the leftover dough, I let Payten use her cookie cutters to make shapes as well
Step Five: Bake the dough for two hours and let it set overnight to completely harden/dry

Step Six: Gather paint materials and let your child get creative!

I was very excited as to how well this project turned out, and I love the handprint! It is definitely getting placed in Payten's keepsake box! Also, we made a couple extra that she is going to give to both her Grandma's! Good luck and have fun!