How to Create a DIY Footprint Bird Craft: A Cherished Keepsake for Grandparents
Are you looking for a unique and personal gift idea that grandparents will absolutely love? A DIY footprint bird craft is not only a fun activity to do with your little one but also creates a beautiful keepsake that family members will cherish forever. Whether it’s for Mother’s Day, Grandparents Day, or even the holidays, this craft is a heartwarming way to celebrate the special bond between a child and their loved ones.
I recently made this footprint bird craft for my Mother-in-Law’s birthday, and she adored it! My 10-month-old son shares a special bond with her, and I knew she would treasure something handmade featuring his footprint. Since she loves birds, I turned my son’s footprint into a whimsical bluebird—her favorite!
If you’re thinking of trying this with your little one, follow the easy steps below to create a footprint bird craft of your own!
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Watercolors or gouache (any paint will work)
- Paintbrushes
- Watercolor paper
- A hard surface (like a book) to press the paper on
- Wet wipes for clean-up
- Permanent markers for detailing
- Acrylic frame for display
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare the Paint:
Start by making a large puddle of your chosen paint. I used watercolors for this craft, as they offer a lovely, slightly transparent finish that works beautifully for bird feathers. If you’re using watercolors, add plenty of water to create a big enough puddle to cover the bottom of your child’s foot. Gouache or other paints work fine too!
2. Set Up Your Crafting Space:
To keep things simple and easy, I sat my son in his high chair, which helped keep him still while I worked on his foot. Place your watercolor paper on a sturdy surface like a hard book for easy pressing. Have a second sheet of paper nearby in case you want to make more than one footprint at a time.
3. Create the Footprint:
Quickly paint the bottom of your child’s foot and press it onto the watercolor paper. Be sure to move fast, as the paint dries quickly! If you’re doing more than one print, remember to reapply the paint between each press.
4. Turn the Footprint Into a Bird:
Once the footprint has dried, flip the paper so the toes are facing down. This is where the fun begins! Add details to transform the footprint into a bird—draw a belly, beak, eyes, and little feet. If your watercolors are still wet, allow time for each section to dry before adding more layers to avoid color bleeding.
5. Frame and Display:
Once your masterpiece is dry, add a date on the back and frame it! This sweet little artwork makes a perfect keepsake for grandparents or parents and can be customized to match any type of bird. I chose a bluebird because it’s my mother-in-law’s favorite, but feel free to pick a bird that means something special to your family!
Why This Craft is Perfect for Pinterest-Lovers and Crafters
This footprint bird craft is the ideal project for those who love crafting with their little ones and creating sentimental gifts. Not only is it simple to make, but it also leaves room for creativity and personalization. You can experiment with different paint colors, bird types, and frame styles to make each piece unique.
Plus, the step-by-step nature of this project is perfect for Pinterest boards! The craft is easy to follow, visually appealing, and makes an excellent DIY gift for grandparents, parents, or teachers. Pin this craft for future inspiration!
Popular Occasions for Footprint Crafts:
- Mother’s Day
- Grandparents Day
- Father’s Day
- Holiday Gifts
- Birthday Presents
If you try this DIY footprint bird craft, I’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @morgannjoan so I can admire your beautiful artwork. Happy crafting!
