Hand/footprint baubles

Hi there! I will soon be doing baby footprint baubles to commemorate some tiny people's first Christmas (they make lovely gifts for grand- and godparents), at a fraction of the cost and time to do the popular ceramic ones you can do at a pottery cafe. I like the idea of the plastic one being more durable too, so here is the technique I've tested.

Materials:

- large plastic baubles, 75-80mm diameter (plain, one solid colour will show up the print best)

- acrylic paint (use colours that will contrast and complement the bauble - and your tree!)

- a wide paintbrush

- a washable, sturdy workmat (this will get paint on it)

Please note: I have used my hand for the example, but this is only advisable with children over the age of 2, who can understand what you are doing. For younger children, it is advisable do the footprint only.

Step 1: Squeeze a generous amount of paint, about a heaped dessertspoonful, onto the mat, and use the paint brush to spread it out into a thin, but even layer. You should just be unable to see the mat through the paint.

Step 2: Press the hand/foot firmly down onto the paint. Do not move it around, just press firmly to retain the natural shape of the hand/foot.

Step 3: Press the hand/foot gently onto the bauble. For hands, clasp the bauble firmly but gently with the painted hand, then release, while holding the bauble with the other hand. For feet, hold the foot firmly and roll the bauble over the surface, being careful not to slide along the bauble, or it will smear the print. Quickly remove the hand/foot from the bauble and hang up to dry.

Once the bauble is dry (usually in about 15 minutes), you can use a correction pen or paint marker to write a name or a short message on the bauble.

Tip: It is advisable to spray a clear lacquer over the entire bauble to stop the print and/or writing from rubbing off, and to preserve it for years to come.

Update: The tiny hand and footprints turned out so cute!