Monday, May 4, 2009

Preserving Kids Handprints and Handwriting

I have had this project on my mind since I came across RubyEllen's idea for her Mother's Day gift last year. I'd been on the hunt for a way to preserve my children's hand prints for some time.


Her idea provided the inspiration I needed. I just took it a step further and decided to add their handwritten names.

I used regular craft paint to make my kids' hands.

After letting them dry overnight I let them write their own names on the square using a washable fabric marker. I used that as my guide to embroider their names.

I love how each child's name is different and unique to them. My 4 year old is just learning to spell his name and identify each letter, the 7 year old thinks she cool because she knows how to write her name in cursive even though she's only a first grader, and I'm sure my oldest "signature" will change over time.

My squares are 12" (30.5 cm). I used a 2" (5.1 cm) sashing and a 2" (5.1 cm) border. (measurements before sewing)

I added these little tabs to the back for hanging. I found the backing fabric at JoAnn's. I scored on the AH Diamond Eye which I also found at JoAnn's~used my 50% off coupon!

Seems RubyEllen was ahead of her time, because just this month when I got my Country Living Magazine this page was in it. (The Country Living inspiration can be found here.)

Here is another great hand print quilt I found made by Kathy. I love this one, too!!
Check out my Family Reunion Quilt made with handprints, also.

11 comments:

  1. Awesome, Em. Where is it going to hang?

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  2. I love that idea! I think I might have to borrow it and frame mine instead since I'm quilt-retarded. I know just the perfect place to hang them...

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  3. I love this idea! I may have to make my own, too! :) Thanks so much for sharing!

    Kathy

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  4. You're going to be more & more happy as the years go by that you did this! You're awesome!

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  5. That is such a wonderful idea. And you made it look very stylish too. Great job!

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  6. thanks for all the ideas! Awesome! I can sew quilts but I have yet to venture boldly into the clothing arena but you give me inspiration!

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  7. My Daughter sent me the link to look at your quilt. I think it is a great idea. EXCEPT for the Paint part. I will have 12 of our 14 grandchildren at the reunion. Not sure how that would work without a MUCHO mess! I have some Marvy Markers from my scrapbook stuff. Would they work instead of the paint? I'm going to try some today and see. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Is that paint washable? I want to make a quilt with handprints or just outlines, but I need something that can be washed. What would be the best thing to use?

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  9. I used the craft paint that you find at places like Wal-Mart for 33cents a small bottle. I have wahsed it and it is definitely NOT coming off. The ony thing I've noticed is that if you use a lot of paint it will "crack" over time. So my suggestion is try to use enough to get a good print without glopping it on the fabric.

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