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
