Download this fun Elf handprint art printable and put together a fun craft for Christmas with your little one. This can be done with an Elf on the Shelf doll or used as an independent Christmas activity for the family. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.
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Are you looking for a fun activity for the kids. This Christmas printable recognizes the Letter E in the alphabet and also brings forth a character we all know and love – an Elf! Have fun working on Alphabet handprint which can be delivered by your family elf or done as a craft independently of an Elf on the Shelf doll.
How do you make an Elf out of handprints?
It’s simple to create an Elf on the Shelf using your handprint. Using a paint brush, first paint your child’s hand with paint. Wipe off any excess paint. Placing your hand upside down on paper instantly create an Elf’s torso, legs and arms. Let your handprint art dry and then decorate your elf head, hands and feet.
Handprint Art Elf on the Shelf Idea
Let’s get in the holiday spirit, gather a few supplies and learn how to make this adorable elf with step by step instructions.
Materials
- Tempera Paint
- Paint Brush (one inch brushes are a great size.)
- Printer Paper or Cardstock
- Printer
- Paper Towels
- Optional: Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Optional: The Elf on the Shelf Doll
Instructions
To start this Elf on the Shelf craft, simply print the free Elf handprint art template digital download (see below.)
Lay out your Elf handprint art activity sheet with your Scout Elf on the Shelf. Have your family elf bring it in the morning. Set your craft materials to the side and be prepared for a fun Christmas activity the next day.
First get together paints. Tempera paint is best when making handprint art for Christmas. Green or red paint would be best for an elf’s outfit.
Use your paint brush to paint your toddler’s hand. You can avoid painting one of your child’s fingers, maybe the ring finger to keep four appendages (two arms, two legs) – otherwise your elf might have a tail like ours!
Carefully place your child’s on the Elf printable template so that a finger lines up with each hand and each foot. The palm will line up with the elve’s face.
Allow your hand print to dry.
After dry, color your elf’s head, hands and feet.
Now you have a small handprint frozen in time.
Extend the activity with more Christmas Handprint Art printables and paper crafts.
TIP: This is best for preschoolers as very small hands need to cover this Elf body. Did your child’s hand cover the head or hands of this elf craft? If so, print out a second sheet of paper with the elf head, hands and feet. Let your child color the head, hands and feet and then carefully cut them out. Use glue sticks to glue your cut out pieces on top of the dried handprint. You could even add googly eyes for a 3-d touch. Use your own creativity to make the cutest paper elves ever.
Can I do this fun elf craft with a footprint?
Yes, this can easily be a footprint elf craft too. Make both – a handprint and footprint – as cute elf craft ideas to hang on the Christmas tree or display as Christmas Décor on the fireplace. Follow the same instructions only paint your child’s footprint instead of small hand. The grandparents would especially love this gift idea.
Elf Printables
Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!
Free Elf on the Shelf Handprint Art Printables
We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Grab this fun handprint art and add your child’s handprint using this free printable template. This paper elf craft can be used to make Christmas cards or a gift for the grandparents.
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5. Enjoy your Elf Printables.
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Elf on the Shelf Resources
At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal, to create an easy Elf on the Shelf season for you. This is not our first year of having an Elf in the home. With over eight years of Elf ideas, we have created a rather large Elf on the Shelf fan club full of new Elf on the Shelf ideas. These Elf on the Shelf resources are all you need to create the best Elf ideas.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.
More Helpful Elf on the Shelf Links
Some call Frugal Coupon Living the biggest resource for all things Elf on the Shelf. While we don’t want to brag, we will. We have move our red little North Pole friend for year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must have resources, inspirational Elf links and more. Use us at a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.
Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with create ideas, grab free printables, and answer Elf on the Shelf Questions.
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas – a Starter guide to all things elf including some of our top post ideas and Elf on the Shelf digital downloads.
- Largest List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Now over 600 Elf on the Shelf ideas. New ideas added daily during November and December.
- Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Are you just beginning with an Elf? Could you use a refresher of all the Elf rules. Take a look at frequently asked elf on the shelf questions to get started. You will immediately be an Elf expert.
- Free Elf on the Shelf Printables – Sign up for our emails and grab these free Elf digital downloads to help you during the Elf season. Includes an Elf calendar, notes, Elf coloring pages, encouraging ideas and more.
- DIY Bendable Elf on the Shelf – Want your Elf to do all sorts of positions. This is an easy no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.
- Elf Shop with Digital Downloads – This is one of the best Elf shops full of printable resources to perfect the holiday season.
- Elf on the Shelf Emails with New Ideas Daily – Each day we will write you with a new Elf on the Shelf idea as well as links to Elf on the shelf resources and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!
Follow on social media! Take a look at the Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board. Tell us what you are doing with your Elf on the Shelf this season. Is there an Elf idea we haven’t tried? Do you have any Elf on the Shelf questions. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.