Footprint Ghosts – Keepsake Halloween Craft
Quick & Easy Painted Artwork Says a Memorable Happy Halloween
Oct 13, 2009
A footprint ghost is a fun Halloween craft that turns a child’s footprint into a work of art. Learn tips for making this cute creation without ending up with a ghastly white floor and check out fun messages to accompany this painted footprint ghost Halloween craft.
Supplies for Making Footprint Ghosts
- White washable paint (ensure that children do not have an allergy to any of the paint ingredients before using)
- Construction paper (black to represent night or various colors)
- Markers (optional)
- White paper and glue (optional if using black construction paper for footprint and adding a message)
- Sponge
- Water, pan, & soap
- Paper towels
- Newspaper
How to Make Footprint Ghosts
- Put newspaper on the floor.
- Place a pan of water and soap and paper towels on the newspaper.
- Place a piece of construction paper on the newspaper.
- Carefully paint the child’s bare foot with sponge dipped in white paint.
- Press the painted foot on the paper.
- Repeat if making more than one ghost.
- Clean the paint off the child’s foot while ensuring that the artwork does not get wet.
- Let footprint dry.
- Turn the toe side down and draw two black dots near the heel to represent eyes.
- Add a Halloween message or let the child add his or her own drawings to the paper. Kids can get creative and decorate the ghost by adding a toe ring, top hat, long hair, etc.
Helpful Hints for Painting Footprint Ghosts
- Dark paper allows the white paint to show up better.
- Carefully dab the paint on the foot in small amounts until the foot is covered. If the paint is too thick, it may run or may resemble a blob rather than a foot.
- If a sponge is unavailable, use a paper towel instead.
- Making a ghost footprint family can be a great idea for sending to relatives. If making more than one sheet, it helps to have all pieces of construction paper ready and to make all prints with one person's foot before moving to the next person.
- Place the footprint on the left side of the paper (if the person is looking at the paper with toes at the top) if planning to make this Halloween craft into a card.
- Be prepared to clean the paint off the foot immediately after making the footprint.
- If in a hurry, a hairdryer on cool setting can help speed the drying process.
- Black fingerprints with marker legs can make spider companions or cat footprints to accompany the footprint ghost.
- Read The Foot Book [Random House, 1968] by Dr. Seuss to add to the foot fun for Halloween.
- If the group is large, try splitting the children into two groups and play fun and interactive Halloween games with the other group.
Ideas for Messages to Accompany Footprint Ghosts
- Happy Halloween
- We wish you a happy Halloween from the bottom of our feet
- Trick or treat…see our feet (Add a scratch ‘n sniff sticker for added fun!)
- Putting my best foot forward for Halloween
- My metatarsals wish you a happy Halloween
- And this little ghostie went boo boo boo all the way home
Footprint Ghosts Can Make a Great Keepsake Craft for Halloween
Make a craft that someone may treasure for years to come. A kid’s footprint turned into a ghost can be a great way to preserve a childhood memory. This fun Halloween craft requires few supplies and can be done pretty quickly, especially if extra adults are available to help with the clean-up process.
Readers are welcome to give suggestions of their own regarding footprint ghosts. Read about how children can help a senior by encouraging them to reminisce about Halloween and how to ensure that trick-or-treaters will have a safe stop at your house this Halloween.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
