How To Get The Perfect Baby Handprint in 5 Easy Steps
One of the best things about having a squishy new baby is holding on to their teeny tiny fingers! I love looking back on Ella and Jakes baby handprints and remembering how small they were.
I am sure many of you will have attempted the almost impossible task of keeping a wiggly baby still while trying to get the perfect handprint. Well, fret no more! Here is my tried and tested method to get the best possible handprint from your beautiful, wiggly new bundle of joy.
If you are ordering one of my metallic handprint frames you can either use a dark paint on white paper or an inkless print kit for mess-free home printing. I have chosen to go into detail with the inkless kits as they are brand new to the website, but some of the principles will be the same with paint.
1. Get prepared before you start
The inkless kits come with detailed instructions, it's worth reading them from start to finish so you get a good idea of the process before you start. Trust me, I didn't bother on my first attempt and ended up trying to print on the wrong side of the paper! Where possible take your print when your little one is calm, distracted (mine was in the zone watching TV)) or even asleep! If there are two of you to help its even easier but I managed it just fine on my own.
2. Stick both sheets of paper down to the table/floor
The kit comes with two sheets of paper. For new babies (as their hands are smaller) you may even be able to cut the sheets again so you have 4 possible attempts if needed. The wipes will last for a few attempts as long as you use it soon after opening the packet. I would advise sticking all sheets down so they don't move and once the wipe is applied you are ready to go, go go! Also, if you are applying the wipe to babies hand yourself, you can't touch the paper as it will mark the paper.
3. Roll baby's hand from palm to fingers
Uncurling fingers can be tricky when baby is awake! But this method tends to work best. Or if you would rather- take a footprint instead which is easier! Press their hand gently but firmly making sure each part has had contact with the paper (again this might be easier with a helper) and hold for 5-10 seconds.
4. Lift baby's hand straight off the paper
To avoid smudges, lift their hand straight up from the paper and remember not to touch it yourself. Then remember to clean both of your hands before picking up the paper. If there is a little smudge on the paper- don't fear, it is likely I will be able to edit it out if you let me know which part to remove.
5. Take a good photo & send your measurements for the best final result
Make sure you take your photo in bright natural light and head on, without shadows. The easiest way to do this is usually to hold the paper up in your hands in the direct light. When I receive the photo I will of course edit your hands out of the image! The most important thing for the photo is that I can see a really good contrast between the dark print and white paper which is why natural light is best. If you are unsure at all if I can use the print you are always welcome to message me with it before ordering.
Here is an example of how best to take the photo of your print, you can see the clear contrast between the white paper and print. The second image is how it came out after editing on the computer and how the print would look (in the metallic colour of your choice).
If you include your measurements with your order I will be able to make sure your babies handprint is true to size. The base of the palm to the tip of the middle finger is the only measurement I need.
I would then use the edited image to create the beautiful metallic print for your frame!
Well, that's it folks! I hope that helps but as always please feel free to message me with any questions you have.
To shop our range of beautiful metallic handprint frames you can click here, and if you would like to purchase an inkless kit you can either order it on its own- or add it to your frame order and I will post your kit, wait for your photo and then make your frame for you.
