Do you want to learn how to make baby footprints and handprints at home? Let’s take it a step further and make a 3D faceprint of your toddler! This keepsake memory craft activity is simple and enjoyable.
When my oldest child was born, I wanted to cherish every moment. Along with photo albums and other mementos, I also wanted to capture their tiny hands and feet. I created personalized gifts for the grandparents, which they enjoyed more than anything money could buy.
This year, my girls are 6 and 3, and we decided to make a 3D faceprint as well. Surprisingly, I couldn’t find any online projects like it. It’s a simple, creative, and effective way to capture a unique memory.
To make these crafts, you will need various materials such as modeling clay, flour, salt dough, cardstock, acrylic paint, and brushes. You can display the finished pieces in frames or display cases. These keepsakes will be cherished for years to come.
Now, let’s get started and create some beautiful memories with your little ones.
To make it easier for you I made a short tutorial you can easily follow:
How to Create a 3D Baby Footprint Using Molding Powder
These steps can be followed for creating 3D footprints, handprints, or faceprints.
Step 1: Salt Dough DIY Recipe
- Gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (500g) of flour
- 1 cup (250g) of salt
- 0.85 cup (200ml) of lukewarm water
- 1 tablespoon of oil
- Knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
For better results, dissolve the salt in the water before mixing it with the dough. This will make the mixture smoother.
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Step 2: Imprinting Baby’s Hands, Feet, or Face
- Place the dough in a suitable container such as a bowl, cardboard box, or any other item that can hold the shape of the hands, feet, or face. We used a cardboard box for the face and a smaller bowl for footprints and handprints.
- Important: If using a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap before placing the dough to make it easier to remove once it’s dry.
- Ensure the surface is even.
- To make a better imprint, you can apply a thin layer of oil on top of the dough.
- For casting baby hands and feet, gently press each finger to create a deeper impression.
- For casting a face, place the dough on the child’s face and apply enough pressure to make them comfortable. This can be a fun activity for both of you!
Step 3: Prepare the Moulding Powder
- Mix the molding powder and water in a bowl using a 2:1 ratio.
- Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir.
- Pour the mixture into your salt dough.
- Place straws in the dough to mark where the holes should be for hanging it on the wall.
- Leave it to set for 24 hours.
Step 4: Shape Your 3D Project
- Smooth the edges and any uneven surfaces with sandpaper.
- You can choose to leave it in the shape of a bowl with hands and feet, or fully shape it like a face.
Step 5: Decorate Your Keepsake Memories
- You can leave it with a natural look or paint it.
- Use acrylic paint to highlight the lines of a face or add your desired design.
- You can reuse the dough to make other crafts or play with it as homemade playdough.
I really can’t draw, but I wanted to highlight the lines of a face, so did the painting with some golden acrylic matt paint. I used a brush and a sponge as you can see in the video tutorial.
When you take out the dough from the 3d imprint, you can still reuse it to make lots of crafts with salt dough. You can make some ornaments, make a new imprint, or just play with it as homemade playdough.
Is Molding Safe for Your Child?
Making baby footprints and handprints is completely safe for your child. We only used simple ingredients like flour, salt, water, and oil, which are all safe for your child’s skin. So, yes, it is safe!
However, when it comes to making faceprints, make sure your child is old enough to understand what you’re doing, as it can be frightening for them. My daughter was 3 years old when we made face molds, and she had fun without being scared. If your child doesn’t want to participate, never force them.
HOW TO USE THIS SENTIMENTAL GIFT
You can use this gift for various occasions, such as:
- As DIY project and things to do for Mother`s Day
- Sentimental gifts for Christmas for Grandparents
- DIY gift for Dad’s Birthday
- Last minute DIY gift for a relative
- Good aunt and uncle baby keepsake gift
- You can place it on your wall or store it in your baby keepsake box.
Conclusion
3D modeling of your baby or toddler’s face, hand, or footprint using salt dough is a safe, budget-friendly, and simple project that allows parents to capture precious memories.
This process is safe for babies and toddlers as the ingredients used are non-toxic and gentle on their skin.
This gift can be a cherished memento, souvenir, or memory. It captures the sweetness of your baby’s hand, face, and footprints.
Now you know how to make baby footprints and you to create a unique keepsake that will be cherished for years to come.
Some more ideas for creative projects with kids:
- Gift ideas with clay
- Canvas painting ideas for kids
- “I love you ”
Fathers Day card - Decorate a plain photo collage frame