Mistletoes

   In my previous post, I teased about having a specific "keepsake" project to share. Well, here it is! Mistletoes!!! I have seen 100 variations of this adorable project but here is what I made:

   First, I put our 8mo old, Chunky Monkey, in his high chair. We played peek-a-boo while I painted and stamped his foot. I used, and have always used, acrylic paint for this type of thing.  It washes right off with warm water, even after it has dried. But use whatever you feel comfortable with.  A green ink pad might be a little less messy.  Our 3 year old was old enough to understand that she needed to sit on her little chair while I painted her foot. I helped her stand up onto sheets of paper.

   It was convenient for me because Adam and I have 2 children.  One footprint for each child.  If you have one child, do 2 prints for the same child.  If you have 3 children, make 3 sets!  I think 3 grouped together, hanging from an archway would be ADORABLE.

   After they dried, I cut them out and glued them onto foam sheets and cut out again. Felt would also work for this.  I'm sure you could also put a backing of construction paper on. It was important to me, though,  to use something more sturdy so it wouldn't fade or fall apart in storage until next Christmas. *Remember to put a loop of ribbon in between your footprint and your backing so you have something to hang it from.

   To finish them off, I used mini, red ornaments - tiny, red jingle bells - small red pomp poms. Basically, whatever I had on hand. These are the sort of things you can find for about a dollar at any craft store. I also had some burlap on hand that I cut and tied into some bows. You could use ribbon, twine, scraps of fabric or... Here's an idea...  Pick out one of your child's outgrown shirts and  tear it into strips that you can use to tie bows. Man, I kind of wish I had thought of that when I made these!

   We made 12 total.  Some will be wrapped and given as a gift to loved ones and some will be tied on top of wrapped packages.  Ours will be hanging in the archway between the living room and kitchen. I feel LOTS of extra kisses coming on!  DON'T FORGET TO MAKE ONE FOR YOURSELF!

   This would be such a fun project to do with students, children you babysit for, nieces and nephews, or with grandchildren.  Make it your own and HAVE FUN!

Cheers,
Alyssa