A few Saturdays ago, Trent, Dylan and I joined some friends at a local ceramics shop to make Santa Plates. After Dylan and his friend finished their part, the dads took them home so we moms could finish up the details. That was the best idea ever - Dylan and his buddy had been to the ceramics shop before (in May our entire playgroup of 6 babies ages 8-15 months went to make Father's Day gifts), but now that both walk and want to move around, it wasn't such a good idea to keep them there for an extended time. Which reminds me, quick tip to all parents of little ones who want to try this - pack your booster seat. It makes the entire process much easier.
Another thing that helps is having a plan of action. We had already made a handprint Christmas tree earlier in the month. I wanted something different and simple for Dylan's part in case he didn't want to participate. Searching online, I came across this post on Simmons Stories blog. Loved the adorable little footprint reindeer. So, we strapped Dylan into his booster seat, pulled off his shoe & sock, painted his foot up in brown paint and stuck it onto the plate.
He was so excited during the entire process. Only problem - he curled his foot a bit. I had to laugh. In October, he and I managed a perfect print for his Ghost plaque. I think part of it may have been the cold plate. Looking back, if I did this again, I would set the plate on the floor and help him to step on it. At any rate, we let it be because, after all, it is fun artwork and I wanted something special & handmade - not "perfect."
After Trent took Dylan home (which wasn't easy by the way because he wanted to keep painting!! I see more visits in our future), I worked on the details ... painting Rudolph's antlers, eyes and nose. Then I sponged the rim of the plate in red, added fun swirls & dots, and carefully painted the text.
And here's the finished project ready to put out with cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve:
Loving it and so excited to add it to our Christmas traditions.
Hi Sarah, I'm playing catch up today. Love all these Christmas posts. The footprint reindeer is adorable. What fun! Love the tags (and the cookies) and that is the best Advent Calendar ever! It is hard for the little ones to get the one a day theme. Luke always asks if Christmas is today and when I say not for ? days, he leaves. He's only interested in the real thing!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! Love the footprint reindeer plate.
ReplyDeleteThis came out so cute Sarah..
ReplyDeleteToo cute Sarah! What a fun new tradition.
ReplyDeleteThis is super cute Sarah! Love it! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteOMG Sarah that is the cutest thing! I love Dylans face when his foot is being painted! too sweet!
ReplyDeleteOH, my goodness! That is just the cutest thing EVER!
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable!!! What a neat idea. :)
ReplyDelete