Handprint Art
I decided to attempt some handprint art for my husband’s birthday with all three boys. Now, this wasn’t the easiest, and it certainly was messy, but I was pretty happy with how it turned out. Our handprint art made a unique keepsake, showed my husband how much we love him, and gave him a new art piece for his office.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift idea, keep on reading.
Inspiration
I first got some inspiration from Pinterest. There are tons of handprint art pieces, but I wanted ours to be specific to things my husband liked. I found a pretty cool picture with handprints, and in the middle it said family. I liked how it looked, but wanted something else instead of a word. That’s when it hit me…VW Bus.
If you didn’t know already, my husband loves VW Buses. In fact, he owns one that is currently parked in our garage for the winter. He also is part of a bus club, and I try to find him neat VW bus stuff for every holiday/birthday/special occasion. I actually found a few cute things that I’ll share at the end, for any other bus lovers.
Now, back to our art piece.
I looked for simple pictures of VW Buses from the front view, and came up with my plan for the painting.
The Steps
To prepare:
- I covered the floor for my messy little helpers
- I should have stripped them down to diapers/undies, but let them keep pajamas on. Next time, no clothes because they got covered head to toe.
- I got paper plates to put each color paint on.
- I didn’t have painters tape, and used washi tape instead. I highly recommend painters tape instead.
- I got out all the colors we would use, and a couple of paint brushes.
Without the littles, I taped an outline of the bus to the best of my ability. I did it free hand, but you could definitely print it, and trace it with pencil, and then tape it. I then brought the canvas in, and one at a time, we started our handprints. You want to make sure you cover every area of the tape. Once it is dry, you will be removing to show the outline. Make sure it is completely dry before removing the tape. Here’s a little peek to give you the idea.
And here is the final product. As I said I was pretty happy with how it turned out, but really it’s the thought that counts, right?
I’d say with three boys smeared in paint, it turned out pretty great. After we finished, it was straight to the bath, and then clean-up was simple, since I had covered the floor. Here are the products I used, plus the extra VW gifts I got my husband. Just click the pics, and you will be taken through my affiliate link. No charge to you. Pennies to me.
This is how I covered my floor. I absolutely love this outdoor blanket by J.J. Cole. It wipes off so easily.
I used a canvas, non-toxic paint, and paint brushes to make sure I got their hands completely covered.
Other Presents for the VW Bus Lover
An ice-cube tray that makes bus ice cubes!!!
A mug to go with his sugar and creamer buses
A toiletry bag, not to be confused with the lunch bag
And finally, this kids pop-up tent was also a gift for my husband a couple of years ago, but it now sits on top of Mr. B’s bed, and he sleeps in it. He loves it!
Does your husband/boyfriend or even you collect anything? What are some of the best presents you’ve received for birthdays?
What a fun gift! Something to be cherished for sure.
That is such a cute idea! I may give it a try with Capri for father’s day!
Shann I just love the thought and sentiment behind this canvas of the Kombi, it’s so beautiful. I bet the boys had loads of fun making it, and that their daddy loved it just as much!
I actually gave Alex a Lego Kombi kit for Christmas a few years back, it’s seriously awesome, and he had so much fun making it!
As for either one of us collecting things, not really. I mean, we both love 1930s-1960s decor and furniture, and I love 1930s-1960s clothing and accessories too but as for being collectors, it’s a bit difficult as we’re limited for space.