By Lisa Thibodeau

The black ink footprints you take home from the hospital are a precious keepsake, but why stop there? Stamping with your baby (or kindergartner) is a simple way to mark an occasion, like a first birthday, or to remember their sweet, tiny fingers and toes!
Anyone can do this project—crafty or not—but two key points will ensure success. One: do not attempt this alone. This is definitely a two-person craft. One holds the baby, while the other presses his wiggly little hand down on the paper. Two: do not use permanent ink—unless, of course, you enjoy scrubbing a bright blue baby foot while your little one squirms and wails!

Step 1. Stamp.
Dad or Grandma holds the baby while you ready the ink pad and paper. A few “test” stamps on scrap paper will let you know if the amount of ink and pressure is right. Press ink pad (ColorBox pigment stamp pad is a good option) onto baby’s hand then smoosh that little hand so it flattens onto the paper. Have fun with different colors and papers. You might even try stamping on a painted canvas.

Step 2. Write.
Write, stamp, print or doodle your child’s name and age under the impression.

Step 3. Frame.
You can use a regular picture frame, a shadow box frame, or you might consider using a scrapbook frame (12” x 12”) with a sheet of patterned scrapbook paper behind it and baby’s birth announcement or a photo of your baby beside it. Adhere with double sided tape.

Make many copies or scan into your computer, so you can print them out and give as gifts or in other projects. There isn’t a Grandparent or Special Auntie out there who won’t cherish this forever!

About the Author
Lisa M. Thibodeau is a local mom and freelance writer. You can read about her adventures in baking, crafting and motherhood on her blog: http://listhib.typepad.com/waxing_poetic. Lisa also blogs for SacramentoParent.com.