Handprint Craft for Valentine’s Day
Create a heartwarming handprint craft for Valentine’s Day with this DIY Shrinky Dink handprint keychain. This creative activity is perfect for kids of all ages!
A Heartfelt Miniature Handprint Craft for Valentine’s Day
This simple yet meaningful DIY Shrinky Dink keychain is not just an art project but will be a cherished keepsake that will warm the hearts of its lucky recipients.
Crafting with Shrinky Dink material adds an extra layer of excitement to the traditional handprint keepsake. The unique shrinking process creates a miniature masterpiece that you can place inside an envelope for a cute gifting experience. Keep on reading to find out how you can make this too!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Watch the Tutorial: Making a Handprint Craft for Valentine’s Day
See how easy it is to transform a simple handprint craft for Valentine’s Day into a miniature, personalized keychain that holds sentimental value. We choose a design to use the word LOVE and replace the O with a handprint, but you can feel free to adapt and create any meaningful design you’d like!
We love using the Shrinky Dink paper or number 6 plastic. Permanent markers and acrylic paint work best on this type of paper. I used black permanent marker to create the letters and helped my one year old daughter to make a red handprint.
The shrinking process is so cool to watch, so be sure to keep your eyes on the oven to not miss it because it happens fast! You can put the finished artwork into an envelope to be given like a card, or turn it into a keychain keepsake gift!
This is such a great craft for all ages. Adults can help young children in making this keepsake, but we should encourage older kids to be more hands on throughout the whole process. Of course, when it comes to the steps involving the hot oven, adult supervision is required!
Watch the Tutorial: Making a Handprint Craft for Valentine’s Day
See how easy it is to transform a simple handprint craft for Valentine’s Day into a miniature, personalized keychain that holds sentimental value. We choose a design to use the word LOVE and replace the O with a handprint, but you can feel free to adapt and create any meaningful design you’d like!
We love using the Shrinky Dink paper or number 6 plastic. Permanent markers and acrylic paint work best on this type of paper. I used black permanent marker to create the letters and helped my one year old daughter to make a red handprint.
The shrinking process is so cool to watch, so be sure to keep your eyes on the oven to not miss it because it happens fast! You can put the finished artwork into an envelope to be given like a card, or turn it into a keychain keepsake gift!
This is such a great craft for all ages. Adults can help young children in making this keepsake, but we should encourage older kids to be more hands on throughout the whole process. Of course, when it comes to the steps involving the hot oven, adult supervision is required!
What You Should Know Before Using Shrinky Dink Paper
What is Shrinky Dink Paper? For this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day, I used Shrinky Dink paper. It is a type of polystyrene plastic that has been designed for craft purposes. When heated, it undergoes a process of shrinking and thickening, allowing for the creation of smaller, more durable versions of the original design.
Is Shrinky Dink Paper safe? Shrinky Dink paper is generally considered safe for use in crafting and art projects when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Should I follow safety guidelines when using Shrinky Dink Paper? It’s recommended to use Shrinky Dink paper in a well-ventilated area. The heating process may release some fumes, and good ventilation helps dissipate any potential odors.
Is there an age limit for using Shrinky Dink Paper? Shrinky Dink projects are often suitable for various age groups, but it’s important to adhere to age recommendations specified by the manufacturer. Some projects may require fine motor skills or involve the use of heat sources, so age-appropriate supervision is advised.
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Shrinky Dink paper or number 6 plastic
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Shrinky Dink paper or number 6 plastic
- Permanent markers
- Keychain
Step 1
For this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day, use acrylic paint to make a handprint on the Shrinky Dink sheet or number 6 plastic. This handprint will form the ‘O’ in the word ‘LOVE.’
Step 2
Write the letters ‘LVE’ on the sheet using a permanent marker.
Step 3
Place the prepared sheet on a foil-lined tray and put it in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 1-3 minutes, allowing the material to shrink and solidify. Don’t worry if it curls up as it should settle back down. If any curling persists, you can carefully push the handprint flat once removed from the oven.
Step 4
If desired, punch a hole in the sheet before baking to transform the keepsake into a charming keychain.
Step 1
For this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day, use acrylic paint to make a handprint on the Shrinky Dink sheet or number 6 plastic. This handprint will form the ‘O’ in the word ‘LOVE.’
Step 2
Write the letters ‘LVE’ on the sheet using a permanent marker.
Step 3
Place the prepared sheet on a foil-lined tray and put it in a preheated oven at 325°F. Bake for 1-3 minutes, allowing the material to shrink and solidify. Don’t worry if it curls up as it should settle back down. If any curling persists, you can carefully push the handprint flat once removed from the oven.
Step 4
If desired, punch a hole in the sheet before baking to transform the keepsake into a charming keychain.
How This Activity Helps Develop Fine Motor Skills
For older kids, who are able to have more independence in the crafting process, this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day can contribute to the development of fine motor skills in several ways:
Painting and coloring: Applying acrylic paint and permanent markers onto the Shrinky Dink paper involves precise movements of the hands and fingers. This activity helps refine fine motor skills by encouraging control and coordination in the manipulation of small tools.
Handprint creation: Making a handprint on the Shrinky Dink sheet requires careful positioning of the hand and controlled pressure to ensure a clear and well-defined print. This process enhances hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity.
Writing and detailing: Writing the letters “LVE” with a permanent marker on the Shrinky Dink sheet involves controlled movements to create legible and neat characters. This contributes to the development of fine motor skills, particularly in the fingers and wrist.
Engaging in these specific steps for this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day promotes the development of fine motor skills, including hand-eye coordination, finger strength, precision, and control. These skills are crucial for various daily tasks, academic activities, and future artistic endeavors.
How This Activity Helps Develop Fine Motor Skills
For older kids, who are able to have more independence in the crafting process, this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day can contribute to the development of fine motor skills in several ways:
Painting and coloring: Applying acrylic paint and permanent markers onto the Shrinky Dink paper involves precise movements of the hands and fingers. This activity helps refine fine motor skills by encouraging control and coordination in the manipulation of small tools.
Handprint creation: Making a handprint on the Shrinky Dink sheet requires careful positioning of the hand and controlled pressure to ensure a clear and well-defined print. This process enhances hand-eye coordination and finger dexterity.
Writing and detailing: Writing the letters “LVE” with a permanent marker on the Shrinky Dink sheet involves controlled movements to create legible and neat characters. This contributes to the development of fine motor skills, particularly in the fingers and wrist.
Engaging in these specific steps for this handprint craft for Valentine’s Day promotes the development of fine motor skills, including hand-eye coordination, finger strength, precision, and control. These skills are crucial for various daily tasks, academic activities, and future artistic endeavors.
Other DIY Valentine’s Day Activities
Looking for more Valentine’s Day fun? Check out these printable resources that go beyond making this handprint keepsake!
Hot Glue Pendants
Craft beautiful customized crystal pendants effortlessly to embellish your bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Designed for individuals aged 6 and above, utilizing a low-heat glue gun ensures safety. An elegant and considerate gift suggestion!
Valentine’s Craft
Ignite your child’s artistic spirit with our exclusive Valentine’s Hot Glue Craft – Printable. Simply print the provided illustrations and embark on a crafting adventure. To ensure safety, adult supervision is recommended when using hot glue.
Valentine’s Play Dough Mats
Introduce a touch of magic to your Valentine’s Day festivities with our delightful Valentine’s Day PlayDough Mats. This printable product is specially crafted to ignite creativity in young hearts, providing an enchanting addition to your celebration.
15+ Valentine’s Day Activities
Elevate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for your little ones with our printable set of over 15 Valentine’s Day themed activities! Tailored to foster early childhood education skills, these delightful worksheets are designed to be both enjoyable and educational.
What’s Next?
How to Make Kids Bath Paint – Colorful Clean Fun
Explore a fun and easy way to make bath time fun for kids with our vibrant and homemade kids bath paint recipe!
The Best Bath Toys for Kids in 2024
Explore the best bath toys for kids! Discover the ultimate guide to bath time fun with these top picks that will make every splash memorable.
How to Layer a Raised Garden Bed and Make a Trellis
Learn how to layer a raised bed and create affordable trellises for thriving gardens. Explore our guide for expert tips & easy instructions!