If you are interested in making your own handprint crafts but do not know where to start, you may need to go out and buy some materials. Handprint crafts can be made out of almost anything. You can make three dimensional sculptures, quilts, ink prints, even glass etchings or replicas made out of all kinds of materials (i.e. porcelain, rubber, metal, etc.). Obviously some handprint crafts are better suited for beginners than are others. Nevertheless, the first step in buying materials for handprint crafts is probably going to be deciding on what type of craft you want to make. Children may be more into paints and construction paper while parents may be more adventurous and want to work with plaster or even simply hire out artistic work to the experts.
Online
The Internet is an easy source for almost anything that you could possibly think of. With a click of the mouse you can search for and find a provider of the materials that you are looking for. When deciding whether or not it is safe to buy from a particular online vendor, consider the website’s reputation, security features, and guarantees before disclosing any personal information. When possible, see if the online vendor has a physical location close to where you are. It is always safer to evaluate the materials before making a purchase.
Craft store
The craft store is always an excellent starting point for your handprint craft needs. Craft stores typically have everything from paints to plasters. Craft stores are likely to have paper, scissors molds, etc. Plus, at the craft store you will probably be able to find an employee who can offer suggestions regarding the best execution of your handprint craft idea and instructions for how to use certain less obvious materials that you may be interested in trying.
Police office or fire department
Handprint crafts are functional as a security measure as well as a fun decorating idea. Hand and foot prints are helpful in the case that the police need to identify a missing child. Therefore, most police stations or fire departments provide free handprint kits to the public. Although this may not be the “craft” that you had in mind, it may be the best place to start.
Hospital
Hospitals will usually make ink prints of your newborn for you, or they will at least have the materials, and you can request that they make some prints for you. Hospitals, and more specifically maternity and mother-baby wings, are some of the first places that people in the handprint craft business advertise. Asking these medical facilities if they know of any local business that you can call on for their services or to purchase supplies is a good idea. Obstetrician’s offices are also good places to ask.
Make your own
Some of the best and most creative handprint crafts are made from materials that you already have in your house. Handprint crafts are so diverse that you can always find something in your house that you can use to make a handprint craft with. Crayons, paper, glue, scissors, etc. are all very elementary materials that can be very multi-dimensional when you think creatively. Part of the appeal of making handprint crafts is that you can make objects that display a handprint in a less obvious manner. For example, kids can use their fingerprints to add unique circular shapes to an otherwise standard picture. The point is that you do not have to feel obligated to go out and spend a lot of money on supplies in order to make a good handprint craft. There is a lot to be said for the creative process and the quality time that you and your children will have when using your hands to make something together.