DLTK's Holiday Crafts for Kids
Handprint Cactus Craft
contributed by Leanne Guenther
Get ready for an artistic adventure where we'll journey into the heart of the desert, all without leaving our craft table!
Today, we're going to create our very own desert scene, complete with a wide, open sky that can be as bright and blue as a sunny day, as colorful as a sunset, or even sprinkled with twinkling stars at night. And what's a desert without its most iconic resident, the towering Saguaro cactus? We'll bring this desert giant to life giving it a fun, textured look that pops right off the page. So, gather your art supplies and let your creativity soar as we blend colors, play with textures, and craft a beautiful desert landscape that's as unique as your imagination. Let's dive into this crafty exploration of habitats and make our own slice of the desert come alive!
Materials:
- Green paint (washable is best for easy cleanup)
- White paper or cardstock
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Markers or colored pencils
- glue,
- scissors
- Markers or crayons (optional, for decoration)
Craft Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
- Lay down some newspaper or a craft mat to protect your work surface. Have some wipes or a damp cloth handy for quick cleanups.
Step 2: Paint the Hand
- Help your child coat their hand with green paint. Make sure it's evenly covered for the best print. A paintbrush or sponge can make this step easier and more fun!
Step 3: Make the Handprint
- Carefully press your child's painted hand onto the white paper or cardstock. Press down gently but firmly to ensure all parts of the hand make a good print. Lift the hand straight up to avoid smudging.
Step 4: Add Cactus Details
- Once the handprint is dry, use markers or colored pencils to add cactus details like spines or flowers or a pot for your cactus to grow in. This is where your child can really let their creativity shine!
Step 5: Embellish Your Cactus (Optional)
- For a touch of whimsy, glue colorful pom-poms to the cactus as flowers or add googly eyes to turn your handprint cactus into a cute character.
Step 6: Display Your Craft
- Once your handprint cactus is complete and fully dry, find the perfect spot to display it. These make great decorations for the fridge, a bulletin board, or framed as a gift for someone special.
This Handprint Cactus Craft is not just a fun activity but a sweet way to celebrate creativity and the natural beauty of the desert. Enjoy making these green, goofy, and gorgeous cacti with your little ones!