DIY Mother's Day Gift: Hand Print Tote Bag

This accessory does double duty as both a durable tote and a sweet memory of little hands. Kids can also add their own freeform paintings alongside their hand prints, if they'd like.

What you'll need:

• Cardboard that fits inside the tote bag
• Blank tote bag
• Acrylic paint
• Paintbrush

Instructions:

1. Place the piece of cardboard inside the tote bag to prevent paint from seeping through to the other side. Be sure the cardboard covers the entire area that you're planning to decorate.

2. Plan the design together with your kid. You'll be using kids' handprints to create the design. You can create a handprint flower by arranging the handprints in a circle or use yellow to create a sun. Each hand could also be an individual flower. In addition to handprints, kids can add additional painting like flower stems, butterflies, etc. Let your kid be creative!

3. Using the paint brush and acrylic paint, help kids apply a coat of paint to the palm side of their hand. Paint his or her palm, as well as each finger.

4. Help your kid lightly press the palm of their hand onto the tote bag.

5. Repeat steps 3-4 to add as many hand prints as you'd like to the tote. If you change paint colors, be sure to wash and dry your kid's hand before applying the new color, otherwise the colors could mix and get muddy.

6. Give your kid a paintbrush and let them add any extras to the design like flower stems, bees, or anything else. They can even add words or sweet messages.

7. Allow the tote bag to dry completely, then remove the cardboard.