Thumbprint Heart Gift
Make this adorable and easy Thumbprint Heart Platter with your kids’ thumbprints and you’ve got a special Valentine’s Day gift for grandparents, moms, or anyone who loves your children.
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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.
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.
My six kids fit perfectly on this rectangular platter, but you could do round, square, oval, or whatever you like. I’ve also made Thumbprint Heart Mugs! And it’s SO SO easy. Even if you feel like you’re not a crafter, you can totally do this.
Table of contents
Supplies
- White serving platter, mug, plate, etc.
- Multi-surface paint that can be cured in the oven and be dishwasher safe
- Sharpie, fine point
- Keep a wet rag or damp paper towels on hand
How to make
- 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. 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.
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.
FAQ
I like the fine point the best for this project. The ultra-thin isn’t thick enough to show up, and the thicker points are often too difficult to get precise text.
If you want it to last, you need to use a multi-surface paint that will be dishwasher safe. Follow the directions on the paint to make sure it’s cured before using.
Even though multi-surface paint will say it’s safe for the dishwasher, I prefer to gently hand wash items like this to be on the safe side.
More Valentine’s Day ideas
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*Originally posted: 2016
curious, 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?
That’s just the white from the plate showing through the red fingerprint!
What kind of sharpie did you use?
I used just a regular, fine-tipped sharpie—it’s easy to write large or small!!
Was 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.
Yes–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!
I 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?
I 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. :)
We 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???
You’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
Loved 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.
Hmmmmm…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.
What 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/
This is so awesome! I plan to do with my grands for their mom for Mother’s Day. My handwriting’s not the best though…fingers crossed. :) Thanks for sharing!
Fingers crossed!! :) It will be lovely, no matter what!!
Thanks. Also, I’m so glad I subscribed to your emails. Such great ideas; very high quality projects.