| While photographs and traditional scrapbooks are | | | | These paints are especially toxic. |
| wonderful for preserving memories, consider | | | | - Four-legged critters such as a horse or dog |
| utilizing the most precious of tools for your next | | | | work best with single handprints. Use four fingers |
| project; your child's hands and feet! Perfect for | | | | for the 'legs', and a pinky or thumb for the 'tail'. |
| displaying or inclusion in a scrapbook, you can use | | | | - Also consider two-handed designs, such as a |
| your child's handprint or footprint to create a | | | | butterfly with two hands as the 'wings'. |
| unique gift and a precious memory for yourself or | | | | - Your print doesn't need to always be a critter. |
| others who love your child. Unlike a standard print | | | | Consider a mountain, a tree, a cloud, or even a |
| or impression, by turning your child's print into art | | | | house or vehicle. |
| you create not only a record of your child's | | | | There are several options for embellishing your |
| youth, but also a lovely piece of handmade art | | | | child's print to create a work of art. If you have |
| that any loved one will be touched to receive. | | | | quality photo or art software such as Adobe |
| Here are some tips for creating a quality print: | | | | Photoshop, you can consider scanning in your print |
| - Use a stiff, sturdy paper. Our favorite is | | | | and doing all the embellishing on the computer. |
| watercolor paper, which is resilient and has an | | | | This has the advantage of allowing for trial an |
| attractive texture. | | | | error. You can also make several prints of the |
| - Decide ahead of time what kind of creature or | | | | same artwork for multiple recipients. |
| image you'd like to make, and whether it would | | | | Painting directly on your print is a technique best |
| be best suited for a handprint or a footprint. | | | | left to experienced crafters and artists. Most |
| - Use a vibrant, water-based, non-toxic paint or | | | | amateurs will be more confident embellishing their |
| ink for your prints. You may want to do a few | | | | print with pieces of cut out paper or other |
| trial prints on scrap paper to experiment with | | | | materials that allow experimentation. Lay the |
| getting that perfect print. | | | | pieces out, and adhere with glue once you are |
| - Always read labels and never use paints or inks | | | | satisfied with the result. |
| on a child that warn against skin contact. | | | | As a final touch, label your artwork with a cute |
| Particularly avoid oil-based materials or anything | | | | phrase, name, and date using a computer or a |
| that contains the word "cadmium" in the name. | | | | fine-tip permanent marker. |