How to Make Handprints and Footprints: A Family Guide

Among the most precious childhood memories, handprints and footprints hold a special place. Small details that speak of growth, affection, and bonds. Making them at home is easier than you think, especially if you choose a safe, non-toxic, and high-quality material like Aqua Resin .

Aqua Resin is an alpha mineral plaster , very different from synthetic or chemical materials: it is mixed with water (or with Aqua Shield ), it is odorless, easy to work with even at home, and once hardened, it gives a unique porcelain effect, perfect for preserving fingerprints and memories forever.

What do you need?

• 100g of Aqua Resin per impression (consider double for larger feet)

• 50 g of water or Aqua Shield

• A low container (kitchen tray, deep plate, baking tray, etc.)

• Kitchen whisk or electric mixer

• Spatula or spoon

• Any pigments (for coloring) or glitter

• Fine grit sandpaper (for finishing)

Step-by-step procedure

1. Prepare the space and container

Choose a container large enough to comfortably hold the hand or foot. Cover the work surface with paper or plastic. Keep a damp cloth handy to clean up any spills.

2. Prepare the Aqua Resin mixture

Pour 50 g of water or Aqua Shield into a bowl. Slowly add 100 g of sifted Aqua Resin, stirring thoroughly to avoid lumps. Use a whisk or electric mixer to achieve a smooth, even consistency. If you want to color, add a few drops of Aqua Pigment before the powder. The mixture is ready in 2–3 minutes.

3. Pour into the mold and level

Pour the mixture into the container and shake lightly to eliminate bubbles. If necessary, smooth the surface with a spatula.

4. Make a hand or foot print

When the mixture is still soft but not too runny (about 2 minutes after preparation), gently place your baby's hand or foot in the center. Press lightly to firmly press it in, then gently lift it up. Immediately clean the baby's skin with a damp cloth.

5. Let it harden

Let the cast dry for at least 1 hour. Once dry, you can remove it from the container and smooth the edges with fine sandpaper. If desired, add a name, date, or other details with permanent markers.

6. Finishing and protection (optional)

To make the print waterproof and even more resistant over time, you can prepare the mixture already with Aqua Shield , or apply it as a liquid finish with a brush after hardening.

Ideas for customizing

• Add colored pigments for pastel prints, or glitter for a shiny effect

• Incorporate small decorative elements (e.g. wooden initials, bows, shells) into the frame of the footprint

• Write on the back with a permanent marker: name, age, date

• Create a cardboard or wooden frame to hang

Practical advice

• The mixture hardens quickly: prepare it only when you are ready to use it.

• If you use Aqua Shield in the mixture, you get a waterproof and very resistant surface

• For very young children, you can use a transparent sheet between the skin and the cast to prevent them from getting dirty.

• If you want to make 3D casts (so not just an impression, but a relief copy), use the Love Cast Kit which contains everything you need

Why use Aqua Resin for this type of project?

Because it's natural, safe, and free of chemical resins or odors. It's designed to be used safely at home, even with little ones. Its aesthetic quality is superior to that of regular plaster: smoother surfaces, more precise details, and longer life. And with the addition of Aqua Shield, you can transform a sentimental cast into an object to treasure forever.

A gesture of love that lasts over time

Making a handprint or footprint isn't just a creative activity: it's a rite of passage, a tangible memory that captures a unique moment. With Aqua Resin, you can do it simply, beautifully, and safely. Whether you make it for yourself, for grandparents, or for school, each print becomes a small, emotionally meaningful work, to cherish and look upon with a smile even after years.