Handprint Mail A Hug {Deployment Craft Idea For Kids}

A few weeks ago, I shared in my Mailing Kisses post, that I was slacking on the care packages we send Joe while he’s deployed. It’s not that I don’t want to send him elaborate care packages but in our situation – it’s just easier to send cards. Lots &  lots of cards.

To spice them up or make them fun – I add some personal touches here and there. So far {from what my husband said} these have rocked his world and put a huge smile on his face. I kinda admit – I’m going to miss sending someone cards when he comes back.

Anyways, today’s deployment “handprint mail a hug” kid craft idea, was actually inspired by a store bought card I came across. Of course it’s from Hallmark, found in the deployment card section in the BX and is perfect for children to send to their deployed dad {Don’t worry – there are a couple mom versions out there too!}

Keep scrolling to see how we pulled this handprint & paper mail a hug craft idea together on the fly {and cheap!} Happy crafting and gifting, my friends! Don’t forget to share pictures after you are done crafting on our Facebook page! #gluedtomycrafts

RELATED DEPLOYMENT KIDS CRAFT TUTORIALS ON GLUED TO MY CRAFTS: A Bear Hug From Me Card – Kid Craft Idea w/free printable and Hand Over My Daddy Keepsake Canvas

The second I saw that the inside said “a long distance hug” I immediately thought of an idea I’ve seen on Pinterest before. It just seemed perfect for this card, so I snagged it up and went home to put it together with my son.

Here is what you need to make your paper & handprint hug –

Handprint Mail A Hug Craft Supplies:
* Handmade Card or Store Bought One
* Construction Paper or Cardstock
* Washable Craft Paint
* Foam Paint Brush
* Small Paper Plate
* Baby Wipes
* Kid Friendly Craft Scissors
* Hand-Held Office Stapler
* Thin Ribbon/Gift Streamer

Directions:

First squirt your choice of color of craft paint on the paper plate.

Pick which hand to work with first {any hand!} Paint it completely with the craft paint and have them press it on the construction paper. Repeat for the other hand. Make sure to leave plenty of room between each handprint.

Remove excess craft paint from their hands with a baby wipe & a quick trip to the sink!

Let the painted handprint on the paper dry completely before cutting them out.

Next ask your child to hold out their arms as far as they can. {I showed/told my son, I love you THIS much}

Then take your ribbon and measure their arm span as they hold their arm out. Cut that ribbon and staple both ends to the handprint cutouts.

Then fold up your “mail-able handprint hug” and place inside your card. It should mail just like a normal card would but to be safe, extra postage might be needed so head to the post office if concerned.

Isn’t that a neat idea? And of course – don’t feel limited by our steps above. You can easily add your spin on this deployment kid craft idea!

I know I stated in the beginning of this post, that this idea is great for deployments but wouldn’t it also be great for anyone, for any occasion? Throw some confetti in the envelope and make it a celebration hug to send to someone far away! As I always say on Glued To My Crafts, just take our idea and have fun with it!

Be sure to also check out our Waiting For You Poem and Deployment Kisses posts for two more deployment craft ideas to tackle today! #gluedtomycrafts