Being the crafty type, I enjoy making the gifts I give. That being said, prepare to meet a few of my Christmas creations. Some turn out like I plan, others do not. I considered this project a pretty big flop, but my sister-in-law loved her daughter's framed handprints. Flop or not, you decide.
Supplies: Frame(s) (with those wire staple things that hold the glass in. You know the kind; the ones that you're supposed to bend back with a screwdriver, but you're always in too much of a rush, so you hurt your fingernail in attempt before you realize you're a doof and go get a tool)
Playdough -I would recommend reading this blog in it's entirety prior to choosing kind of playdough
Plaster of Paris - Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. Read the manufacture's instructions and it's a lot like making pancakes.
I started with these garage sale snagged mirrors. I can't remember if I paid .25 for the pair or apiece, but either way I had to leave the sticker on for the before pic. Gotta love a good deal, right?
Dated a scratched up, but solid wood.
Flipped them over a (gasp) tore the paper backing out and removed the mirrors.
A little black paint and we've got a whole new look.
The next step is a little tricky, and I apologize for lack of pictures. Flip the frame onto it's front on a firm, portable surface. I chose a cookie sheet. Next, press playdough into the open window, enough to fill the frame, but filling the depth to only about halfway. The metal staple supports that kept the mirror in place should be well visible. I got the directions from this great website: http://www.susiej.com/how-to-preserve-your-childs-footprint/
Really neat resource. I got off track when I decided to MAKE the playdough. And chose this recipe:
Recipe 2
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup corn starch
3/4 cup water
Have your child mix the baking soda and corn starch in a pot. Use hands to make sure all the lumps are broken up. Add water. The adult should put the pan on the stove over medium heat and stir constantly. As soon as the mixture gathers together, remove from the heat. When it cools, have your child knead it into a smooth dough. Don't over cook this dough or it will crumble. http://www.kiddinaround.com/pages/3-Easy-Recipes-for-Making-Homemade-Play-Dough.html
Great playdough recipe, feels just like the store bought kind.
Have child firmly press handprint into backside of filled frame, then fill indentation with plaster of paris. Fill it up past and over the staple things to keep the plaster creation in the frame when it dries. This is where my project got interesting. Those of you who did well in chemistry probably saw this coming. I did not. The baking soda in the playdough reacted with the acidic plaster of paris, and about 5 minutes into when the plaster was supposed to be drying, it was bubbling like some kind of brew. I whined to my husband about my art project turned science experiment gone bad, but I let it bubble and eventually dry. Once dry, I flipped the frame over and removed the offending playdough. And this is my end result:
It doesn't look like it in the picture, but the hand print actually comes out of the frame, 3D like.
And does the surface not look like sand?
I gave the frames to my sister in law who, ironically enough, loves the beach and recently returned from a family vacation with my same little nieces who were nice enough to allow me to mush their hands into playdough. She is excited to hang the handprints on the wall with the photographs from said trip.
So...if you would like to see/try the original project? Check out susiej.
If you want a little twist? Experiment. ;)
