My 31-weeker was born in the middle of December and was in NICU well beyond Christmas. Vising your preemie in the hospital is not the ideal holiday activity. I wore cozy sweaters, brought an eggnog latte along and made the best of it.
One afternoon just before Christmas I came by for a visit and was welcomed by an adorable print of my preemie’s tiny feet in bright green that said “mistletoes.” It was like honey to this momma’s heart! I’ll never forget our day side nurse saying, “Looks like the night shift was crafting.” Ha!
Since then I’ve loved collecting hand and footprint art projects on Pinterest. It’s an easy enough project for any crafting level. Plus, it’s great for most ages–infant through grade school.
Create a sweet holiday card with toddler hands or a happy print for your home with all your family’s hand prints. I hope these ideas spur your own creative ways to mark your preemie’s time in NICU this fall or a fun family tradition.
I’ve added a hyperlink to each of the images so you can find the tutorials.
Hand Print Crafts
This may be the simplest of the bunch, but I also think it’s the most prefect for a NICU baby.
Photo from Frugal Fun 4 Boys.
I love how this wreath by Catherine at Evolving Motherhood incorporates both children’s hand prints and golden leaves found outside. Trim a paper plate, add some glue and you have a memorable fall decoration.
Photo courtesy Evolving Motherhood.
A mix of hands and feet, I love the way Lena at Root and Blossom cut these out and secured them to a pretty ribbon for a fall banner.
Image from Root and Blossom.
This sweet cardinal print by April at House by Hoff is perhaps more winter than autumn but I couldn’t resist including it. Older children could help decorate a snowy scene to give as a holiday gift.
Photo courtesy House by Hoff.
Footprint Crafts
Can’t we just have candy corn year round? I love this idea from Michelle at Rust and Sunshine blog. This is a more complex craft—THREE colors plus googly eyes. Ha! But I think it would make the sweetest card or teacher gift.
Photo courtesy of Rust and Sunshine blog.
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a turkey craft. Forgo the normal hand print turkey and try making the feathers with feet. It would be cute to alternate the prints of a few young children: classmates, cousins or siblings.
Photo via Pinterest. Original origin not found.
One more turkey. Wouldn’t a tiny turkey be sweet with a preemie or newborn footprint?
Photo from Everyday Family blog.
This one is also my speed! Amanda from Artsy Mom has the right idea. A simple dunk and press and you have an adorable keepsake.
Photo courtesy Artsy Mom via Fun Hand Print blog.
Have you tried any fun hand or footprint art projects with your kids? Share your ideas in the comments!