Use this free 4th of July handprint art template to create some quick patriotic handprint keepsakes with your kids. This simple craft is the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day at home (or at daycare). Happy 4th of July!
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Looking for a fun way to celebrate Independence Day? This handprint fireworks craft includes a free template that you can download and print out at home.
This free printable is the easiest way you’ll find to create keepsakes with toddlers and preschoolers, and it is perfect for both daycare and home use.
If you’re looking for more handprint printables, you can also check out this Summer Handprint Art Template, this Mother’s Day Handprint Art Template or this “Hands Down Best Dad” Printable.
Why You’ll Love This Printable
- Easy to make: We love handprint and footprint art because it is as simple as printing the template and adding your child’s prints. I added a cardstock backing to this craft because I liked the way it looked, but if you’re short on time or supplies, you can just skip that step.
- 100% free: You won’t need to enter your email address in order to download the template—just click the download link in the post, right underneath the preview image, and you’ll be able to start crafting right away!
- Cute keepsake: This template is a great way to showcase little handprints. It is perfect for parents to use at home, and for daycare centers who want to send home a keepsake.
P.S. Need another quick craft idea for the 4th of July? Try this Glitter Fireworks Craft!
Required Materials
- Paper: Regular printer paper will do. Make sure to choose a size that is compatible with your printer, as this is what you’ll be using to print out the template. US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches) is best, but I’ve included printing instructions for different sizes below.
- Cardstock: I used colored cardstock in red and blue, but you can use a different color if you prefer. If you can, choose cardstock that is the same size as your printer paper. This will make it easier to measure the border.
- Paintbrush: Use a nice, thick paintbrush that will allow you to quickly cover your child’s whole hand before any of the paint has a chance to dry.
- Paint: I prefer to use washable kids’ paint because it is non-toxic and easy to wash off my kids’ hands, but acrylic paint will work too. In keeping with the patriotic theme, I used red and blue.
- Scissors: You’ll be using this to remove some of the border around the template after you’ve added your child’s handprint. If you have a paper trimmer at home, you can use that instead.
- Pencil & ruler: You’ll only need these if you are using scissors to cut the paper. If you are using a paper trimmer, you can skip them.
- Glue: I used a glue stick to prevent the paper from becoming wavy, but if you don’t have one, you should be able to use a small amount of liquid school glue.
The full supply list and instructions can be found in the how-to card.
Download Your Free Handprint Art Template
Click the text link below the image to be redirected to the PDF file. (The preview image is not print resolution.)
Please note that this template is for school and personal use only and cannot be redistributed. When sharing this free printable, please link to this article rather than directly to the files. You can read our full printables terms of use here.
Printing Instructions
This file was designed to be printed on US Letter-sized (8.5 x 11 inches) paper. If you wish to print it on A4 paper, you’ll need to adjust the “Scale to Fit” setting on your printer to ensure that none of the printable area is being cut off.
If at all possible, avoid reducing the print scale to ensure that there will still be sufficient room for your child’s handprint. If you do need to reduce the print scale, keep it as high as you can and keep in mind that it will likely affect the amount of paper you need to cut off during step 3.
How to Use This Printable (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Paint your child’s hand. Use a paintbrush to quickly cover your child’s entire right hand with red or blue paint. Both the palm and fingers should be covered.
Step 2: Press your child’s hand onto the paper. Gently press your child’s hand onto the template and carefully remove it to reveal the imprint.
Tips for Making Perfect Handprints
To prevent smudges and create the nicest possible imprint of your child’s hand, add a generous amount of paint, ask them to spread out their fingers slightly, and quickly (but carefully) press their hand onto the template before the paint has a chance to dry.
Try to avoid moving their hand while it’s on the paper, but make sure you gently press down on it to ensure that every part of skin that is covered with paint comes into contact with the paper. Then, hold down the paper to keep it from moving and carefully lift off their hand to reveal the imprint.
Step 3: Cut off the edges. Once the paint is done drying, use a pencil and ruler to trace a ½ inch border on the back of the template. Then, use scissors (or a paper trimmer) to cut it off.
Step 4: Glue the template to cardstock. Use a stick of glue to glue the template onto the center of the sheet of cardstock. If desired, you can write your child’s name or the year on the front or back of the craft.
I made this project with both my 3-year-old and my 5-year-old and it turned out great both times. There was still a little bit of room leftover on the template, so it could work for older children as well!
Helpful Tips
- Alternate colors: To make your child’s handprint pop, use red cardstock for blue handprints, and blue cardstock for red handprints. You can also use any other color your child prefers.
- Frame your artwork: If you wish, you can frame this craft before or after you add the cardstock backing. (If framing it before, don’t cut off the border.) If you can’t find an 8.5 x 11 inch frame, which is the size of US Letter paper, you may need to cut off the edges of the finished craft to make it fit. Keep this in mind during step 3, as it may impact the size of the border you need to cut off before glueing the template onto the cardstock.
More Handprint Crafts for Kids
If you have tried this 4th of July Handprint Art or any other project on my website, please let me know how it went in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
4th of July Handprint Art
Materials
- free handprint art template
- 1 sheet paper
- 1 sheet cardstock red or blue
- 1 paintbrush
- washable kids' paint red or blue
- 1 pair scissors
- 1 ruler
- 1 pencil
- 1 glue stick
Instructions
- Use a paintbrush to quickly cover your child’s entire right hand with red or blue paint.
- Gently press your child’s hand onto the template. Remove their hand to reveal the imprint.
- Once the paint is done drying, use a pencil and ruler to trace a ½ inch border on the back of the template. Use scissors (or a paper trimmer) to cut off the border.
- Glue the template onto the center of the sheet of cardstock. If desired, write your child’s name or the year on the front or back of the craft.
Video
Notes
- Add a generous amount of paint: Add enough paint to create a full imprint of your child’s hand.
- Keep fingers slightly spread out: Ask your child to spread out their fingers slightly in order to allow you to fully cover them with paint.
- Quickly press down: Press your child’s hand to the template as soon as it’s covered in paint, to avoid giving the paint a chance to dry.
- Don’t move: To create the nicest imprint, avoid moving your child’s hand while it’s on the paper.
- Gently press down: Use your fingers to gently press down on your child’s hand and fingers to ensure every painted area comes into contact with the paper.
- Hold down the paper: Keep the paper from moving while you carefully lift your child’s hand off the template.
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