Handprint ghosts
Paint the hand white, press it on black paper fingers pointing down, and there's a wiggly ghost. A Halloween keepsake to date.
Age : 18 months+
Materials
- Thick black paper
- Washable white paint : Thick poster paint works well.
- A big brush or a sponge : To paint the hand.
- Black marker or googly eyes
- A wet wipe or a bowl of water nearby : To wash the hand straight away.
Steps
The print
- Paint the child's whole palm and fingers white, except the thumb (you can paint it too for a ghost that waves hello).
- Press the hand flat on the black sheet, fingers pointing down, and push down firmly all over.
- Lift it off in one go: the fingers make the ghost's wavy bottom.
- Wash the hand straight away.
- Leave to dry, then draw two eyes and an O-shaped mouth on the palm.
- Write the name and date: next year, compare how big the hands have grown!
Feet make ghosts too. And an orange hand becomes a finger pumpkin, with a green stalk.
If it goes wrong
- The print is gloopy : One thin coat, then press without rubbing.
- Bits are missing : Hold the sheet and press down well on each finger.
Safety
- Washable, non-toxic paint for little ones, and keep an eye out so it doesn't go in mouths.