Fingerprint art is quick, it’s easy, and it can have hilarious results – especially when you give it a theme. With the Beijing Olympics around the corner, I wanted to have fun creating fingerprint people. And not just any people, but Olympic-contenders. And not just any Olympic-contenders…I’m surprised some of them made it to the Olympics at all.
Fingerprint art supplies
Stamp pads
Choosing the right stamp pad can make a more enjoyable experience when doing this with kids. Too dark, and kids can’t draw details. Too light, and kids will complain that their finger doesn’t show up at all.
The best colors to choose are red, pink, green, blue, and purple. Yellow, orange, black, and anything that’s metallic looks pretty for regular stamping – but set those to the side this time. If you have more than one color, it makes for a fun mix!
Markers or pens
You’ll also want to have some markers. Sharpies are thick and they can bleed through the paper. Regular markers, even ones like Crayola Supertips can be too wide.
If you can find them, felt tip pens are the best. They come in different colors, offer an easy to draw and color experience (unlike ballpoint pens which young kids have to keep more upright), and don’t bleed through.
Other options include darker colored gel pens.
Paper
This one can be done on any paper – you don’t need sulphite. Unless you use a marker that can bleed through the paper.
Wet wipes
Have a wet wipe handy for wiping fingers after making the prints – and before they start drawing.
Getting the best fingerprint
If the fingerprint is too dark, it’s hard to draw on. But this is why you’re sticking with colors that are light enough that even a dark fingerprint can turn into an Olympian.
Let kids practice on a spare piece of paper first.
When pressing on the ink pad, it’s important to not press too hard, and not to press too soft. It’s better to go softer than harder, however, since kids will be drawing on top of the fingerprint.
When finished, wipe fingers with a wet wipe before drawing (so unintentionally smudges don’t happen).
Drawing fingerprint figures
Start with thinking about what sport this little Olympian is competing in. Here’s some ideas:
- Bobsled
- Skiing (cross-country or ski-jumping)
- Figure or speed skating
- Curling
- The luge
- Hockey
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Tennis
- Running
- Pole vaulting
- Swimming
- Diving
- Equestrian (make fingerprint horses!)
- Archery
- Gymnastics
Use a dark felt tip pen to use single lines for the legs and for the arms. Add hands and feet using little circles or mitten shapes.
Add eyes and a mouth – you can even add eyelashes or funny expressions (note the expression on this little Olympian who will not be getting a medal!)
When finished with the basic lines, use colors to color in details like hats, boots, or their equipment.
Kids can use their fingerprints to create things other than figures too – such as the Olympic torch, flags, the Olympic rings, things like diving boards or skiis or hurdles.
Don’t stop there – try another theme!
If kids aren’t interested in the Olympics, encourage them to choose another theme. My Sparklettes wanted to choose monsters and well…let’s just say Little Sparklette really was experimenting with drawing all sorts of things.
And that creative choice and joy is really what it’s all about.
If you create some fingerprint Olympians, I would love if you’d tag us at @soulsparklettes so I can see your creativity!
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