Plaster Handprint Pie Tin Keepsake for Kids

Mix plaster of Paris at 2 parts plaster to 1 part water, pour it into a pie tin, and press the child's handprint into the surface 10 to 20 minutes after pouring. Let the tin sit undisturbed 24 to 48 hours, then paint it and write the name, age, and date on the back. An adult does all the mixing.

What supplies do you need for the plaster handprint keepsake?

• Plaster of Paris (dry powder)
• Water (cool water, not warm)
• Dust mask (the adult wears this during mixing)
• Measuring cup
• Disposable mixing bowl (an old plastic bowl works)
• Spoon or craft stick for stirring
• Disposable aluminum pie tin
• Flat tray or baking sheet (to keep the tin level and supported)
• Petroleum jelly (a thin coat on the child's hand makes cleanup easier; optional)
• Newspaper or a table covering
• Paper towels
• Soap and a damp cloth
• Acrylic craft paint or tempera paint
• Paintbrushes
• Permanent marker

How do you mix the plaster safely?

This step is for adults only. Put on the dust mask before opening the plaster, because the dry powder irritates lungs and eyes. Keep kids back from the table until the pouring is done. Measure 2 cups of plaster of Paris into the bowl and add 1 cup of cool water, which gives the 2-to-1 ratio by volume. Stir just until smooth, like pancake batter, about one to two minutes. Do not over-mix, and use cool water, since warm water or long stirring makes the plaster set too fast.

How do you make the handprint?

Set the pie tin on the flat tray over the newspaper-covered table before the adult pours, because a thin tin flexes and buckles if you lift it while full. Pour the mixed plaster into the tin and tap the tray firmly on the table a few times to level the surface and release air bubbles. Rub a thin coat of petroleum jelly on the child's hand. Wait 10 to 20 minutes after pouring, then test with a fingertip: press lightly, and if the surface holds your fingerprint without sticking to your skin, it is ready. Press the child's hand flat and firm into the plaster for five seconds, then lift straight up without wiggling. Wash the child's hands with soap and water right away.

How do you paint and finish the keepsake?

Leave the tin completely undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours so the plaster cures hard. Do not move it, tilt it, or press on it during this time. Once it is fully cured and cool to the touch, paint it with acrylic craft paint or tempera paint and let the paint dry. Then flip the tin over and write the child's name, age, and the date on the back with permanent marker. Grandparents love receiving these, and the date on the back is what makes it a real keepsake. If you enjoy handprint keepsakes, our salt dough ornaments are another grandparent favorite, and the arm-span turkey keepsake has the same wow factor.

What do you do when the plaster sets too fast or the print comes out wrong?

Plaster that sets too fast almost always means the water was too warm or the mix was stirred too long. Next time use cool water and stir just until smooth. A handprint that comes out too shallow was pressed too late, so always do the fingertip test first; you get one good window. A smeared print means the hand wiggled, so press straight down and lift straight up. Hairline cracks from a bump during curing can be painted over. Never pour leftover plaster down the sink, since it hardens and clogs pipes; let it harden in the bowl and throw it in the trash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this craft best for?

Any age works, since the adult handles the mixing and pouring. For babies, an adult gently guides the tiny hand into the plaster and lifts it out. Toddlers can press with a hand over theirs for guidance. Big kids do the pressing themselves. Keep the session short for babies and have the soap and damp cloth ready before you start.

How messy is this craft?

Medium mess, but contained. The adult handles all the wet plaster, so kids only touch the surface for the handprint. Cover the table with newspaper, keep paper towels within reach, and dress kids in play clothes, since plaster spots do not wash out of fabric. Wet plaster wipes off skin easily with soap and water.

How long does the keepsake take to make?

Active time is about 20 minutes: mixing, pouring, waiting for the handprint window, and pressing the print. Then the plaster needs 24 to 48 hours of undisturbed curing before painting. Plan the handprint for day one and the painting for day two or three. Rushing the cure gives you a soft keepsake that crumbles.

Is plaster of Paris safe for kids?

Set plaster is non-toxic, but the dry powder is a lung and eye irritant, so an adult must do all the mixing wearing a dust mask while kids stay back until the pouring is done. Never let kids handle the dry powder. Plaster warms slightly as it sets, which is normal; if it feels warm, wait for it to cool before pressing the hand. Wash hands with soap and water after.

Be safe and have fun!