There’s something special about handprint crafts. Crafting is more than just the art of creating; a craft like this can capture a moment in time and etch the beauty of family bonds into the very heart of your home. You can use our free printable template and your handprints to create this wonderful Mama Bear and Baby Bear Handprint Craft at home for Mother’s Day or any time of the year.
- Table Of Contents:
Materials
- Construction paper
- Template
- Marker
- Double-sided tape
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
Step 1)
Collect your supplies and print your free template.
Step 2)
Cut out the template and trace the pieces onto the brown and yellow construction paper then cut them out.
Step 3)
Draw the details like the bear’s face using black marker and assemble the bears with glue.
Step 4)
Trace your hand and your child’s hand to make the body of the bears and cut them out.
Step 5)
Attach the bear template heads and tails (small circles) to the handprint.
Step 6)
Add any remaining details you’d like such as grass, trees or other backgrounds you’d like to draw.
Video Instructions
Prefer watching video instructions? Check out Crafty Kids Play YouTube channel and watch the full video tutorial for this bear handprint craft here.
Template Download
Download your digital file template using the button after this next image. You can print your template at home or at your local print shop on regular white paper.
This free print file is for your personal use only, not for commercial use or resale.
Tips & Tricks
Use Washable Markers:
Opt for washable markers, especially if children are involved. This makes it easier to clean up accidental marks on hands and clothing.
Parental Assistance:
For younger children, parents can assist in cutting out the templates and smaller details to ensure safety.
Glueing
For best results, don’t use too much glue. Sometimes, a glue stick is more manageable for young crafters than white glue.
Variation Ideas
Different Color Combinations:
Experiment with various color combinations for the bears. Instead of the traditional brown bear, try using shades like gray, white, or even vibrant colors for a unique look. You can also use brown paint on white cardstock instead of using construction paper for your child’s handprint.
Felt Accents:
Introduce felt material to the craft by cutting out small accessories such as bows, scarves, or other embellishments for the bears as a personal touch. If you’re using felt, you may want to use hot glue to secure the details. You could also alternatively cut the handprint out of felt instead of construction paper. For another fun way to mix up this craft, use googly eyes for a goofy look!
Seasonal Themes:
Tailor the craft to different seasons. For example, add snowflakes and winter scenery for a winter-themed keepsake or flowers and sunshine is a great way to highlight the season for a spring-themed one.
Sibling Bears:
If you have more than one child, create multiple handprint bears to represent each sibling. Arrange them together to showcase a family of bears.
Message or Quote:
You might want to incorporate a special message or meaningful quote on this craft. Write it on the background or on a banner and glue it on to make this keepsake even more sentimental.
Benefits of This Handprint Craft
Fine Motor Skills Development:
If you have an older child who is making this craft with you, they’ll be able to trace and cut the template themselves.
Tracing, cutting, and assembling the craft pieces help enhance fine motor skills, promoting coordination and control in the small muscles of the hands and fingers.
If you’re making this craft with an infant, save the cutting and tracing for an adult.
Creativity and Imagination:
This cute handprint craft encourages creativity as older children choose colors, personalize details, and decide on the placement of elements. It fosters imaginative thinking as they bring the bears and their surroundings to life.
Language Development:
Discussing the craft, sharing ideas, and talking about bears or nature during the activity contribute to language development, even for infants. Children can expand their vocabulary and grow their communication skills.
Family Bonding:
Crafting together fosters positive family interactions and strengthens the bond between parents and children. It creates shared memories and experiences. Parents will treasure this heartfelt craft, it makes for a beautiful gift. You can even pair it with an inexpensive picture frame to help you display it.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love this fun bear craft as much as we do! Handprint art like this makes the perfect gift if you’re looking for a fun and easy art project to make at home. If you’re really sneaky, you can even trace your loved ones’ hand and later surprise them with this finished craft on a special occasion.
Stick around Crafty Kids Play for more easy activities, fun crafts and sensory bin ideas for kids! Happy crafting!
