Handprint Pottery Project

Choose your item

Be sure it is large enough to accommodate the hand(s)/foo(ee)t (we would point out here that feet are generally easier than hands with babies who tend to “clench” – just something to think about!

This is easier to do on a flat item (things like bowls and mugs can also work but choose something convex versus concave)

Choose your glaze color(s)

Remember that you will only be applying one coat so choose something fairly dark (good options are noted on their color tile by use of a sticker)

Remember that if you want to “start over”, most glaze colors will leave at least a trace of color – black and dark green, in particular are almost impossible to remove

We strongly recommend that you leave the background white – (that you don’t apply any background color – this prevents muddying of the print and also ensures the most visible print overall.  If, however, you’d like to have a small child paint the item first – often a charming idea – you might consider limiting them to one or two relatively light colors)

Practice without paint

Brush the hand or foot with the paintbrush (being sure to cover the tips of fingers and toes as well as all “edges” – SMILE and make happy sounds – this is fun, right?  Use a fan brush for speed!

Lower the hand or foot firmly onto the piece (which should be kept flat on the table if possible) and hold, also firmly, in place, covering it with your hand and applying slight pressure on fingers and across back of hand.  Chant “no wiggling” if it helps!

Lift straight up off of the item (use one hand to hold it down if you have one to spare) uttering happy “oohs” and “aahs” (okay, this is optional)

Do the same thing with paint (if you dislike the results you can try to use a clean, damp sponge to twist and lift off as much color as possible)

Add any additional decoration you choose (paint or sponge around print, use small paintbrush or puffy paint to add name, date, age or whatever writing you’d like, add a border, whatever strikes your fancy!).  Remember, you can plan your decoration with pencil first and it will burn off in the kiln.

If you need to stop at any point, remember doodlebug can hold your item as a work in progress for a short time (no more than 60 days!!) and you can come back to finish it later. 

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