Turn a tiny handprint into a keepsake you’ll pull out every autumn – and it takes less than 30 minutes. This one is so simple that toddlers, preschoolers, and classroom crews can all join in. All you need is a handprint cutout, clear contact paper, and our free poem printable.
UPDATE FOR 2026 – To reduce storage costs and download fees, we recently made some changes to our website. The password for all our files this year is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026. Our printables are still free to you. Please see our FAQ page for more info on downloading our free files.
Craft Supplies:
- Orange or brown cardstock (for the handprint)
- A pencil and scissors
- A brown marker (optional, for leaf veins)
- Loose craft glitter
- Clear contact paper
- A hole punch and a piece of ribbon or raffia
- Free Printable – from box.com – password is GLUEDTOMYCRAFTS2026
Directions:
1. Trace the little hand – Place your child’s hand flat on the cardstock and trace around it with a pencil. Spread those fingers a bit for a fuller “leaf” shape.
2. Cut out the handprint – Carefully cut along your traced line. You should have a clean hand shape ready to become a leaf. Go ahead and glue that piece to another sheet of cardstock paper.
3. Draw the leaf veins (optional) – Use a brown marker to draw one line down each finger and a few branching lines across the palm. This gives it that natural, leafy look – but skip it if your little one is eager to move on.
4. Again, cut around the handprint – this step will make the handprint more sturdy as a keepsake ornament.
5. Sprinkle on the glitter – Lay the handprint cutout on a sheet of contact paper (sticky side up) and scatter leaf-shaped sequins or confetti around it. Don’t overthink placement; a little scatter looks festive and fun.
6. Seal it up – Press a second sheet of contact paper on top, sticky sides facing in. Smooth out any air bubbles with your fingers, then trim around the shape, leaving a small clear border so nothing leaks out.
7. Punch and hang – Punch a hole near the top center and thread through a piece of ribbon or raffia. Tie a loop, and just like that, you’ve got an ornament ready to hang.
7. Add the poem – Print our free poem card, write your child’s name on the “Love, ___” line, and attach it to the front. Here’s the sweet verse it holds:
This little hand became a leaf,
A sign that fall is here.
Keep it close from year to year,
And smile when autumn’s near.
Love, ______
RELATED —> Capture Memories With These 6 Handprint Flower Poems
This keepsake gets sweeter every year – you’ll love pulling it out each fall and remembering just how tiny those fingers once were.
Download our free poem printable now and start crafting your Handprint Leaf Ornament today. Tag us @GluedToCrafts so we can see your little leaves in action!
