I can never resist a really cute serving platter, but when you add adorable little thumbprints, there really is nothing cuter! I absolutely adore my Heart Thumbprint Platter, and it makes me happy every time I look at it!
So adorable, right? Not only is it darling, but it captures a moment in time that is so fleeting–it won’t be long before their fingerprints will be bigger. I love it. It would also make the perfect gift for grandparents and anyone who loves your kids!
PERFECT FOR VALENTINE’S DAY AND MOTHER’S DAY!
It would also be super cute Valentine’s Day decor–place it on a mantel, or the kitchen counter, on a shelf…anywhere! Think Mother’s Day, birthdays, and other special occasions…an adorable gift! I know any mom or grandma would love to have one of these…or anyone that loves your kids.
SO QUICK & EASY TO DO!
My six kids fit perfectly on this rectangular platter, but you could do round, square, oval, or whatever you like. Wouldn’t a mug be so fun too? Or a set of plates? The sky’s the limit! And it’s SO SO easy! Even if you feel like you’re not a crafter, you can totally do this!
There area also other options instead of a platter…how about adding the heart thumbprints to a planter? Or mug? The sky’s the limit!
Here’s how to make your own Heart Thumbprint Platter
(Affiliate links are included below for your convenience. If you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
SUPPLIES:
- white serving platter
- glass paint or multi-surface paint that can be cured in the oven and be dishwasher safe
- sharpie
- keep a wet rag or damp paper towels on hand
DIRECTIONS:
1. Decide how you want to lay out the fingerprints and text. I divided the plate into sixths, and placed a tiny dot of paint where I wanted each fingerprint to go, so the spacing would be as equal as possible. Sometimes wiggly fingers don’t cooperate completely, but it will be better than doing the whole thing then realizing it’s off center.
2. Place a small amount of paint on a piece of foil or wax paper, carefully dip your child’s finger in the paint, then make two prints to form a heart shape. If you mess up, all you have to do is use the wet rag or damp paper towels and wipe it of, then once it’s dry, you can start over again. I definitely utilized that option several times!
3. Use the Sharpie to write the names, date, and any other text you would like.
4. Follow the curing directions on the paint you used. I used Martha Stewart Glass Paint (Habanero, which I love–it’s a great red!) and I could either oven bake or let it sit for 21 days. I’m super impatient, so I always choose the oven method! You can find the directions HERE.
If you can’t find Martha Stewart glass paint, you can use a multi-surface craft paint that can be cured in the oven to be dishwasher safe. Plaid Crafts makes a couple of them, including FolkArt Multi-Surface Paint. With a multi-surface paint, you HAVE to cure it in the oven, not the 21-day option, if you want it to be safe in the dishwasher.
If you’re worried about it being 100% food safe, then I would either put your fingerprints around the edges instead of the middle, or laying something underneath the food you’re serving.
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bonnie massicotte says
Feb 1, 2016 at 9:54 pmcurious, I see white on the print as well is that from the dot you put for placement or a second fingerprint or white with the red paint?
Simply Kierste says
Feb 2, 2016 at 5:11 pmThat’s just the white from the plate showing through the red fingerprint!
Emily says
May 5, 2016 at 4:22 pmWhat kind of sharpie did you use?
Simply Kierste says
May 5, 2016 at 9:34 pmI used just a regular, fine-tipped sharpie—it’s easy to write large or small!!
Audrey says
Jan 5, 2017 at 10:29 pmWas the plate you used already glossy? I’m wondering if I could use this idea but on a teapot like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IA8YLJU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483672779&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=white+teapot&dpPl=1&dpID=317rGq%2BurqL&ref=plSrch
It already has a gloss finish, so I’m wondering if baking it would ruin it.
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Jan 7, 2017 at 2:05 pmYes–it was already glossy! The baking didn’t change the gloss at all. I hope that helps! I’m not sure if it would ruin it or not, I think it depends on what it’s made out of. Good luck!
Sam says
Jan 24, 2017 at 3:59 pmI couldn’t find a Gloss Habanero paint in the link that you provided. Can I use Satin Habanero instead. Will that look good? Any thoughts?
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Jan 24, 2017 at 4:35 pmI think it would be fine! I don’t think that my fingerprints look super glossy, so I don’t know that it will look much different. Or, if you really want the gloss, you could choose a different red if you wanted to. If it was me, I’d just go with the Satin. :)
Elizabeth says
Mar 16, 2017 at 10:19 amWe are trying to do this and have put names on first and now doing the paint – have just wiped off the print (was not good) but the pen has rubbed off….. now worried the pen is going to rub off – does the pen need a set amount of time to dry off???
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Mar 19, 2017 at 11:56 amYou’ll need to let it cure, so it won’t rub off. There are two methods I mention in my post–one is the oven method, which I always do because it’s the fastest. The other one is letting it sit for 21 days.
I also suggest doing the thumbprints first, then writing the names underneath, then curing in the oven. That really helped me! xoxo
Jerilyn says
Oct 2, 2019 at 8:26 amLoved this idea so I made mugs for grandparent’s day. I cured mine and per the instructions and they seemed great. However, my Dad just showed me his (which he uses often 🤩) and the sharpie has rubbed off. So, I washed it off the rest of the way and rewrote it all. Just wondering if you had a similar experience and how to keep this from happening again.
Old Salt Farm says
Oct 3, 2019 at 10:46 amHmmmmm…I’m so sorry, I’ve never had anything like that happen! But another option instead of baking in the oven is to use Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Sealer, and then let it cure for 28 days before using.
Emily Marx says
May 1, 2017 at 5:33 pmWhat an adorable idea! I featured this on my own blog highlighting sentimental Mother’s Day gifts for grandmothers.
https://domesticwarrior.me/2017/05/01/mothers-day-gifts-for-grandmothers/
Woody says
Feb 14, 2018 at 1:57 amSuch a great idea! I adapted it by using my own thumbprints to make a special gift for my wife for Valentine’s Day … and she loved it!
And thanks for the instructions on how to cure the paint. That was extremely helpful!
Woody
Simply Kierste Design Co. says
Feb 14, 2018 at 8:17 amWoody, I LOVE that! I can see why your wife did as well–definitely a special gift and keepsake. So glad the instructions for curing the paint helped. Happy Valentine’s Day to the both of you!!