Adorable Valentine’s Handprint Keepsakes (That You’ll Never Want to Wipe Away)

​There are so many crafts we do with kids that end up tossed away after the season is over… but this one is different.


Handprints are personal. They’re sweet. They’re a snapshot of childhood that you can hold onto long after the paint has dried.


And that’s why this Valentine’s handprint project is so special.


Because…


“I know you wipe some away,

but these ones are meant to stay.

Keep them forever, a treasure they’ll be,

a special ‘I love you’ for you from me.”


Why Handprint Keepsakes Are the Perfect Valentine Craft



Valentine’s Day is all about love, and what better way to celebrate than with something handmade straight from your child’s little hands?


These keepsakes are:


  • Simple and inexpensive
  • Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers
  • Made from materials you probably already have
  • A meaningful gift that lasts far beyond February



They also make beautiful memory pieces to tuck into baby books or frame on the wall.





What You’ll Need



This craft is wonderfully easy and flexible. Use whatever you already have on hand!



Supplies:



  • Extra fabric scraps (cotton works best)
  • Fabric paint or acrylic paint
  • A foam brush or paintbrush
  • Paper plate or paint tray
  • Tiny hands (the most important supply!)
  • Permanent fabric marker (optional)
  • Scissors or pinking shears
  • Cardstock or embroidery hoop (optional for display)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Valentine Handprint Keepsakes


1. Choose Your Fabric


Dig through your scrap bin or leftover fabric stash. Valentine colors like red, pink, or white are perfect, but honestly—any fabric becomes special once it holds a handprint.


Cut the fabric into a square or heart shape, depending on the look you want.


2. Prep Your Paint


Pour a small amount of fabric paint onto a plate.


Fabric paint works best because it won’t crack over time, but acrylic paint is fine if this will be kept as a decorative keepsake rather than washed.

3. Paint Those Tiny Hands


Using a foam brush, gently coat your child’s hand with paint.


Make sure you cover the palm and fingers evenly, but not too thick.


This part will likely result in giggles… and maybe a little mess.


4. Press the Handprint onto the Fabric


Carefully press their painted hand onto the fabric.


Hold it still for a few seconds, then lift straight up.


Repeat with a second handprint if you’d like a matching pair or a heart shape made from two angled prints.


5. Let It Dry Completely



Set the fabric aside to dry for several hours or overnight.


This is the hardest part—waiting!


6. Add the Sweet Valentine Saying


Once dry, write or print this poem onto the fabric or a tag:


“I know you wipe some away,

but these ones are meant to stay.

Keep them forever, a treasure they’ll be,

a special ‘I love you’ for you from me.”


You can use a fabric marker or attach the words on cardstock for a polished look.

Cute Ways to Display Your Keepsake

Once finished, there are so many adorable ways to make it extra special:


  • Frame it in a shadow box
  • Turn it into a Valentine pillow
  • Add it to a memory quilt
  • Hang it in an embroidery hoop
  • Use it as a gift wrap topper
  • Sew it into a stuffed heart



Grandparents especially love receiving these as heartfelt gifts.





A Keepsake Full of Love



Kids grow so fast. Their hands change before we even realize it.


That’s why projects like this matter so much.


Because while we wipe away fingerprints from windows and paint from tables…


these little prints are different.


They’re meant to stay.


They’re meant to be treasured.


And they’ll always be a reminder of a sweet season of life and a love that never fades.


If you’d like, I can also write a Pinterest description, a shorter version for Instagram, or provide printable poem tags to attach to your keepsakes!

You should also try these two amazing DIY projects for Valentine’s Day!

Handmade Wreath


DIY Porch Sign 


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