I have always loved handprint crafts. There’s just something so sweet about documenting your child’s growth through a simple handprint through the years. The holidays are a perfect time to pull out some paint and make a handprint craft – like these adorable turkey handprint jars!
If the idea seems a little bit familiar, you might be remembering my mother’s day handprint jars:
I really loved making those with the kiddos I used to teach, and now that I have my own little kiddo I knew I wanted to do his very first handprint craft with him for his first Thanksgiving!
Since Isaac is only 3 months old, he obviously didn’t understand to keep his painted hands away from things. So my mom had the awesome idea to cut a little slit in an old towel and stick his hand through it like this:
This way the mess was contained!! 
I did all of this at my mom’s house so of course I forgot to bring a paintbrush to paint his hand. Dang it. I improvised and used Q-tips – it worked just fine! He is into grabbing everything right now – so he kept grabbing at the q-tip while I was putting it in his hand, which actually helped to spread the paint around. My little guy is so helpful already 
I used acrylic craft paint for his handprints. I didn’t take pictures of the process because, well, it’s a little tricky even with 2 adults. But we ended up getting 2 smeary handprints, and they’re imperfectly perfect! (PS – see my other “baby” in the back of this one??)
We let them dry overnight. The next day, I swirled around some paint in the interior part of the jar. I simply used Valspar color samples from the hardware store (I pick up 1 or 2 every time I go to the hardware store for my stash). These are great to have around the house and they’re so cheap! I swirled it around the middle of the jar, and let it dry for the night again.
The next day, I painted on a simple eye, beak, gobbler and feet with a tiny brush. If your child is old enough, have them do this! It will be so cute!
And that’s it! Our little guy’s first Thanksgiving is documented with a little turkey handprint. How cute would it be to make these and bring them to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving dinner? Or make a different one every year and display them all around Thanksgiving in a display? I can’t wait to make more next year & see how much his hand grew!
These jars are not functional for storing food or using with fresh flowers, but they’re more of a keepsake to bring out year after year.
Do you have any favorite turkey handprint crafts? Do you think your kids would like to make this (or would you love to get this from your grandkids?)
Like this post? You’ll also like:
1. Mother’s Day Handprint Jars
2. Valentine’s Day Flower Craft for Kids
3. Fall crafts & activities for kids
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