A while ago, I created a photo mat for a picture of my granddaughter Kirsten. What made this photo mat special was that Kirsten’s photo was framed inside of a cutout of her handprint. I also had scanned and cut out her signature. The result? A framed photo of Kirsten at age 5 with her handprint and signature done at age 5 as well. I loved it so much that I used it on our HSN segments. It became very popular and quickly ended up in our consumer convention booth. I am sure many of you have seen it.
What was it about that project that resonated with so many people? I think it was the fact that I had frozen a moment in time. How many of us treasure those handprint projects that come home from pre-school or the tiny footprints that are done as newborns? It gives us a chance to remember a moment that comes and goes so quickly.
The ability to scan into the Inspiration software allows us to create wonderful memories. I can scan a handprint, a signature or a child’s precious drawing. If you watch the video I made on this project you will see that the kids had just as much fun as I did. (After all, most kids love getting all goopy and messy with paint!)
I have often been asked to teach how I made that photo mat. Since Kirsten’s sisters, Kelley and Kayla are approaching age 5 in a few months, I thought it was the perfect time to make a tutorial. This time I made a scrapbook page showing the girls’ handprints together on the same page. They are sisters, born on the same day but are very different in personalities and size. I think this page does a good job of showing that contrast. For photography purposes, I did not do a lot of journaling. I will be sure to change that for my own album and write about what makes each girl unique.
I would love to have you watch the video tutorial. I get to show off some of my grandkids, but I will also show you a few techniques you may not know yet. I show you how to make the scrapbook page and also how to make a framed mat for the actual paint handprint as well. With Mother’s Day coming soon this would make a great gift for grandma. So get out some old t-shirts, white paper and black paint and have some fun with those special kids in your life!
handprint-memories
What a great idea! Thanks
Oh Christine, thankyou so much!!!! I have to tell you, the very reason that I splurged when I bought my cutter was because of this capability!!! Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou!!!! Dana
You are welcome! I am constantly amazed at the ability of this system to allow me to create something that is so personal and unique.
I am so excited. I am going to take this technique and use it with my boys. I think this would be great as a Fathers Day or Grandparents day present too. Thanks Chris for all of your hard work on these videos for us.
I am so jealous of the fun time it looks like you had with Kelley and Kayla! What a treasure of a project, thank you so much for sharing!
I agree with Lisa, what great gift ideas! A simple project like this can turn into a treasured gift and memory for loved ones. You always do the best projects Chris. We love your tutorials!