I love creating homemade gifts for different holidays. They are a great way to mark milestones when you have little ones, they can be more cost effective, they come from the heart and everyone seems to appreciate them.

I was looking for something simple for our toddler (14 months) to make for Mother’s Day for myself, my mom, my husband’s mom and his step mom. This project appealed to me for a few reasons. One, I could easily get the materials. Two, it wasn’t overly complicated. Three, it was a project that didn’t need to be perfect but could still come out looking good, which is key when working with a toddler. And forth, it was within our budget.

What you will need:
Paint, I used paint I already had, but similar paints can be purchased at Walmart for around $0.50.

Picture frame with a large mat that can fit handprints. The frame I used is a 15×17 frame with an opening for a 5×7 picture. In fact, it’s actually meant to be a signature frame. I purchased these at Hobby Lobby.

You will also need a photo, paint brushes, water and lots of paper towels or a cloth and a happy baby/toddler/kid. This project is most easily done if you have two adults.

We waited for a nice day. Set everything up outside near the toddler’s water table. We had easy access to the water which was easier to wash the paint brush off and clean off our messy toddler when finished.

I held and painted his hands to make the prints. My husband controlled the mats, bringing them close and turning them to get the handprints spaced out.
At first we were both worried they weren’t going to work out, toddler wasn’t having it at all. But as he got more comfortable with it and we loosened up a bit too, they really started to come together. We were all pleased with the end product.

Once they dried I added the picture we wanted and placed the mats into the frames.

Now, here’s to hoping none of the grandmas see this post before they get their gift!