I found this idea a while back and have been wanting to do it! So, I decided that we would make special gifts for Grandmas for Mother's Day this year.
My kids were finger painting one day so I was able to get their hand prints. I took a regular 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper and divided it into fourths so I could make sure their hands fit on the note pad papers and still remain the actual size.
I scanned that paper into my computer and use Photoshop Elements to create some simple magic. Got rid of the extra paint smears, cleaned up a couple of the edges of fingers, and changed the files from jpegs to pngs. Opacified the hand prints so you can write over them. Added a little wording to the top and labeled each hand. For the fourth page I stacked the hand prints and added "World's Best Grandma Hands Down".
Printed four to a page, then made 12 copies, and cut them out. I now have 48 4.25 x 5.5 papers.
Ever heard of Padding Compound? Well, I hadn't util now. It is what is used on the top of notepads to glue/hold them together. I heard that paper copy stores can make notepads for you so I called around (UPS, Office Max) to see if I could bring in my own designs and they could make me a notepad. I got a lot of "what are you talking about?" Nix that idea.
But I found this recipe to make your own! What luck! and WAY simple. I had everything but the glycerin. Wow, I never knew glycerin was used in so many things. But I found it at Walmart in the first aid section for $3.99. Bam! Done deal! I now have more than a lifetime supply of padding compound.
I searched around online and found some instructions on how to apply. For mine specifically, I stacked Michele's hand, Grant's hand, Emma's hand, then the hand pile and repeated it so there will be a little variance note to note.
Then flush edges, use chipboard for a sturdy backing--which I didn't have so I just took my box of mostly eaten Raisin Bran and cut it down to the right size. I weighed the pad down with heavy textbooks and applied 2-3 coats of padding compound about 20 minutes apart.
LOVE THEM!
I also happened upon these perfect magnet strips at Walmart. 0.99? YES, PLEASE! I can make like 18 of these notepads now!
They hold them up perfectly.
Can't wait to give these to Grandma's.
