Hand printing for kids in "cement"...?

Question

I babysit 3 girls (1,3 & 5 yrs old) and was thinking of different activities to do. I remember when I was younger I did my 'handprint' in some "cement" and gave it to my Mom, however I know it wasn't "real" cement, it was some sort of paste..possible homemade..and it looked/dried like cement. Does anyone know how to make this or where I can get it..? And what is it called...?


Thank you! :o)
~Sarah

PS any other ideas for activies would be greatly appreciated, I have a summer of FUN to look forward to with these cute little girls!! :o)

Answer 1

It's probably plaster of paris. You can get some nice kits at the craft stores like Micheal's. JoAnns and Hobby Lobby for this.

A book I highly recommend for that age group is "I can make a Rainbow" by Imogene Frank. It's out of print, but you can get it at the library or Amazon.com

A great website that you might like is:
http://www.kinderart.com

Answer 2

Resources: For books on crafts for age-specific children check your local library or book store. There are a plethra of websites that offer kids crafting ideas too - I've included the link to my favorite (they also produce a monthly magazine).

I would check a local arts and crafts supplier as they have kits that make this particular project so much easier (and non-toxic, cement mixing should only be done by adults).
I've done this stepping stone project in my garden and the children and parents both loved the lasting results!

This stepping-stone path offers a concrete method of preserving your most precious garden harvest: happy memories. Each family member gets to decorate his or her own stone, inserting personal (nonperishable) mementos: seashells, pet rocks, small toys, impressions of a favorite leaf, free-form tiles made from a broken flowerpot--if you can step on it, you can preserve it.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Cardboard building form and saw for cutting (optional)
Shovel for digging soil
Bag of concrete
Plants as recommended above
Mixing tub
Hoe
Water
Flat-edged scraps of wood
Mementos or other things to put in the concrete

Time needed: About 2 to 3 Hours
1. For round stepping-stones, use a handsaw to cut a 2 1/2-inch-wide section from the building form. In the area where you'll be setting the path, dig a hole just large enough to accommodate the form and set it into the ground, firming the soil around it. Alternatively, you can create a free-form stone by simply digging a hole in the shape you desire, roughly 2 1/2 inches deep. Once the mold is complete, place a 1-inch layer of pebbles, small stones or gravel in the bottom.

2. Following the directions on the bag, combine the concrete with water in a mixing tub, stirring it with a hoe. It's ready to pour when it doesn't fall off a hoe held nearly parallel to the ground. Use the hoe and a trowel, if necessary, to scoop the concrete into each form. Smooth the surface with a scrap of wood.

3. When your fingertip leaves a lasting impression in the mixture (usually after one to two hours), you can start customizing. Using a stick or pebbles, write your name and the date, make impressions (of your hand, a favorite toy, a prize begonia) and add your mementos. Let the stones cure for several days. If your winters are severe, cover the stones with a cloth and mist them with water several times a day for three or four days to keep them from cracking. Remove the cardboard forms with a craft knife.

Tips:
If you've never worked with concrete before, don't be daunted. Mixing mortar, in fact, is a lot like preparing cookie dough. One safety note: concrete contains portland cement, a potentially caustic substance, so the job of mixing the stuff is strictly for grown-ups. After making handprints, be sure to wash with soap and water.

Answer 3

Scribbles fabric paint. I just poured the paint into a saucer,and had the kids dip in there hands, then put there hands on the shirt. Wash hands right after so the paint wont dry on there. The following Fathers Day, we did footprints.

Answer 4

It's Plaster of Paris

We did that for my daughter's class as well - there are directions on the container for mixing it, and you can use a (sturdy) paper plate as your form, pour in the plaster and then let your girls make their print.

Here are some more craft ideas for kids:
http://home.att.net/~DLeddy/kids.html

Answer 5

i did something like that it bible school,it was made of play doh,salt and baked,maybe you could find out exactly how to make the homemade version.also they sell little kits like this at walmart and other places,Let them color in coloring books,make paper dolls,cut out pics and make cards and stuff,draw a picture,plant a seed,play games,have fun.

Answer 6

You can do it with salt dough. Don't use Portland cemnt or any outdoor stepping stone cement, because it will burn their little hands. Here is one recipe http://www.gigglemoose.com/salt_dough_recipe.htm

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