Spooky Handprint Ghost Tree

By General Crafts Contributor Amy

Make a spooky Halloween decoration with the kids!

Have your little ones give you a hand (literally) with this handprint project. The kids will love it and you will have a cute keepsake. I always love looking at last year’s handprint crafts and showing my little one how much she has grown.

ghost-tree-2-supplies

What you need:

  • a branch from your yard or local park
  •  black and white craft acrylic paint
  • paint brush
  • black polymer clay (I used Sculpey III)
  •  needle
  • thread or clear fishing wire
  • cling wrap or wax paper
  • clear disposable cake lid or deli container
  • scissors
  • optional: sandpaper

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STEP 1: Form some black clay into a dome. *note I wish I had used a little more clay for my base*

STEP 2: If your branch is too big or not the shape you want, trim or break off sections. If there are jagged or sharp edges, rub them on the sidewalk or use sandpaper. Press your branch halfway into your polymer clay base.

STEP 3: This step is optional. Drag a hobby blade through your base to make it look like tree roots.

BAKE: Bake clay as directed. I used Sculpey III, which bakes at 275 degrees for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness. I baked mine for 18 minutes. Let it cool.

STEP 4: Lay your branch on wax paper or cling wrap to protect your craft surface. Paint your branch black. I painted my clay base too so they would match perfectly.

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STEP 5: Dip your child’s hand (or foot) in white acrylic paint so it has a thin layer of paint on it. Help your child gently place their hand on the clear deli container lid. If the layer is too thick, it is more likely to peel and take too long to dry. Let it dry a little longer than directions on the paint since the paint has nothing to absorb into. I let my branch and ghost prints dry for 2 hours.

STEP 6: Cut out your ghost prints, leaving a  thin border. Paint on a spooky but cute ghost face using black paint. Let it dry. Mine dried in about 30 minutes.

STEP 7: Use a needle to poke a hole and thread your ghost prints. Make a peace sign with your fingers while threading so you don’t stab yourself or bend the ghost prints.

Hang your ghost prints in your tree and enjoy!

No kids for handprints? Leave out the ghosts and hang your earrings in this spooky tree.

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