Yep. We are going on our third year making this fingerprint Christmas painting for kids, which never gets old. It’s a classic that has been done by so many. Fingerprint Christmas painting for kids makes a fantastic gift for loved ones!
The first year we gifted one grandma, the second year was for my in-laws, and this year we are sharing the fingerprint painting with our special GiGi.
I am not exaggerating; This makes the best holiday gift for loved ones!
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When it comes to Christmas painting, my boys are all in!
There is just something about dipping chubby little fingers in paint that screams; yep. I’m so doing this. (no surprise there)
But there is also something about placing one finger at a time to make delicate holiday lights across a strand that screams, a steady hand, one at a time. – Which is why this also makes such a fantastic fine motor activity.
No joke. Your kids can make this without it becoming a crazy mess. Remember, toddler activities and preschool ideas should be kept simple to be inviting.
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My three, five, and seven-year-olds each had a turn at making a light strand.
I know, this sounds like a lot of little messy fingers. Keep reading. I will walk you through just how calmly this all went down.
And here, I have documented everything I have learned about painting with toddlers.
Pro-tip for this painting activity
Before we begin to paint, I show my children a picture of the final product.
I want my boys to visualize what they are working on and understand that each light needs a little space from the other. They may even remember using dot stickers to make these holiday lights.
Taking the time to peek at the final product is an invaluable step for this holiday artwork.
How to do this with more than one child
Another important step is calling over one boy at a time to the canvas.
We begin with a blank canvas on kraft paper to protect the table.
- I say, Here is the Christmas painting we are working on today. Let’s use our pointer finger to make each light.
- I then put my pointer finger into the paint and dot the kraft paper to show how much paint is needed.
- Next, I take my black marker and draw one light strand for the child I am working with to follow.
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As each child fingerprints a light, I watch from across the table, guiding them along when necessary to ensure the lights don’t begin to blend. If needed, we can revisit the main image to move us along.
I also use colors that mix well together, so the painting project still looks good when mixed. – Learned that pro tip after years of being in the classroom!
You’ll see we stick with this system for other painting activities, such as Fall Leaf Painting, Bubble Wrap Art, and Paint the Ice. I found this article by PennState interesting about why painting is important for toddlers.
Supplies
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12 x 24 Canvas – 2 pack
4 Pack of Sharpie
6 Pack of Washable Kid’s Paint
Kraft paper or something to put the canvas on as your child paints. I find the best roll of kraft paper at Home Depot in the painting aisle. When I am out of builder’s paper, I use cut up paper bags that I have saved to recycle.
Setting up fingerprint lights
- Place a blank canvas on kraft paper.
- Squirt a few small amounts of paint to the right of your canvas. Remember, you want to pick colors that go together if mixed.
- Show your child what the completed art project looks like.
- Invite one child over at a time.
- Demonstrate how to make a painted light with your finger.
- Allow your child to watch you make the light strand they will follow.
- Invite your child to begin picking colors and fingerprinting the lights!
- Repeat the steps for each child.
- Air dry.
- Add a tag and wrap it up!
The outcome is SO sweet. All in favor of making this Christmas painting for kids, say I! – and check out these 40 winter activities for kids when the holidays are over.
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FAQ
Ask cousins to join if you have one child and are gifting to a grandparent! Save a blank strand for them to complete when you get together for the holidays.
Mistakes make the artwork more unique. If you notice the painting getting messy, remind your child what the final painting looks like.
Use only a few colors of paint that look good together when blended. I like to use primary colors.