Crafting Cherished Memories: Handprint Christmas Tree Skirt & More Keepsake Crafts

CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON

It’s that time of year again—when the lights twinkle a little brighter, the air smells like pine (or maybe just cinnamon-scented candles), and we get the warm fuzzies from all the holiday magic. And what better way to make the season even more magical than by getting crafty with your little ones? Today, we’re diving into a super special project that’ll have your kids’ tiny hands all over it—and we’re not just talking about the Christmas cookies. We’re crafting a Handprint Christmas Tree Skirt! This easy, meaningful project is a great way to make lasting memories that will grace your home for years to come. Let’s get those hands messy and create something beautiful!

But that’s not all, friends! I’ve got a whole collection of Christmas keepsake craft ideas to keep those little hands busy and your home filled with holiday cheer. So grab the supplies, invite the kiddos to the craft table (or the kitchen table—whatever works), and let’s get started on making this holiday season unforgettable!

CRAFT YOUR OWN HANDPRINT CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT

You know those moments where you just want to freeze time and hold onto every little detail of your child’s growth? Handprint crafts are like little time capsules that capture just how small those hands once were. This Handprint Christmas Tree Skirt is the perfect project to do just that, and I’m all for anything that combines holiday magic with DIY fun. Bonus points if it becomes a family tradition and something you pull out to admire for years to come!

MATERIALS:

• Burlap tree skirt
• White fabric paint
• Paintbrushes and sponge brushes
• Art smocks (trust me, they’ll need them)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set the Scene: Find a cozy spot with good lighting and cover the surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. (Trust me, it’ll save you a lot of cleanup later.)
2. Get Paintin’: Pour a small amount of white fabric paint onto a plate or tray. Dip your child’s hands in the paint (I recommend doing one hand at a time), and help them press those tiny handprints onto the burlap tree skirt. Feel free to create a pattern or let them go wild—this is all about the process, not perfection!
3. Touch-Up Time: Once the kiddos have made their handprints, go in with a paintbrush to tidy up any smudges or uneven edges. Bonus points for making the handprints crisp and clear, but remember, it’s about capturing the moment.
4. Repeat Year After Year: Every year, your family will get to see how much their little hands have grown. Such a sweet tradition, right?

PRESERVING YOUR HANDPRINT CHRISTMAS TREE SKIRT

Once you’re done, you’ll want to keep this masterpiece safe for years of holiday joy. Here’s how to care for it so you can pull it out year after year:

• Hand Wash Only: Treat it like the treasure it is. Hand wash gently to keep the handprints looking fresh. Skip the bleach—your kids’ art deserves better.
• Store It Right: After the holidays, store your tree skirt in a cool, dry place to keep it from getting damaged. You’ll want to protect all that cuteness for next year’s Christmas magic.

MORE KEEPSAKE CRAFT IDEAS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Alright, now that we’ve got the tree skirt checked off, how about a few more festive crafts to keep those little hands busy? These projects will make your home even cozier and create special keepsakes you’ll treasure for years.

1. THUMBPRINT KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS

Because thumbprints are forever! These sweet little ornaments are easy to make and customizable to fit your family’s style. Check out the full blog for materials and step-by-step directions!

Materials:

• Air-dry clay or salt dough
• Rolling pin
• Christmas-themed cookie cutters
• Drinking straw
• Acrylic paints
• Ribbon or twine for hanging

Steps: Roll out the clay, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and use your child’s thumbprints as “lights” on the ornaments. Paint, dry, and then hang them on the tree with ribbon. So cute, so simple!

2. HANDPRINT REINDEER CRAFT

Turn those little handprints into adorable reindeer for the perfect tree decoration or grandparent gift.

Materials:

• Brown and red paint
• Googly eyes and a red pom-pom
• White paper or canvas

Steps: Paint your child’s hand with brown paint, press it onto the paper, then add antlers, googly eyes, and the red pom-pom nose. Done and adorable!

3. FINGERPRINT LIGHTS CHRISTMAS CARDS

These cards are a great way to share the holiday love with friends and family. Plus, each fingerprint becomes its own little Christmas light.

Materials:

• Colored ink pads
• Blank cards or paper
• Markers or colored pencils

Steps: Have your child dip their fingers into different ink pads to create a string of colorful lights. Draw on the wires, add a message, and boom—personalized cards!

4. PHOTO ORNAMENTS

Memories on your tree? Yes, please! Turn your favorite family photos into ornaments that will remind you of each year’s holiday season.

• Small wooden frames
• Miniature photos
• Paint, glitter, or other decorations
• Ribbon

Steps: Decorate the frames, pop in the photo, and add ribbon for hanging. These make for lovely gifts, too!

A CRAFT OF LOVE AND JOY

The Handprint Christmas Tree Skirt isn’t just a cute craft—it’s a tangible piece of your family’s holiday story. It’s a beautiful tradition that captures the essence of love, togetherness, and creativity. Plus, it’s something your kids will treasure forever (and so will you). And while you’re at it, these other keepsake craft ideas are the perfect way to add even more holiday magic to your home. So grab your materials, let the kids get messy, and create something that will warm your heart every Christmas season for years to come.

Happy crafting, and here’s to a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime!

Burlap Tree Skirt

Paintbrushes

Sponge Brushes

White Paint

Art Smock