Handprint Dove: How to Make This Cute Craft for Kids

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This handprint dove craft is an adorable, hands-on activity that helps children learn about the powerful concept of peace.

This simple and meaningful craft is perfect for helping you celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Hanukkah, Christmas, or just want to create a moment of kindness and reflection. With only three basic supplies, it’s quick, easy, and totally customizable. Your kids can add their unique touches by using the tips and creative ideas that I'm sharing.

Let's dive in and make a beautiful symbol of peace to enjoy now and for years to come!

Hands-On Way to Teach Kids About Peace

Looking for a simple and frugal activity featuring peace to enjoy with your kids? Maybe you'd like a frugal way to boost to your celebration of a special event? Perhaps you need a hands-on way to bring an abstract concept like peace to life for your children?

Well, this cute handprint dove craft is both fun and educational for all of those things and more!

From the moment that I became a mom, I knew that I wanted to teach my children to be kind, respectful, and thoughtful to all. I felt so fortunate to have parents that taught me those important things on how to treat others (and myself).

I asked my mom (who was teaching full-day kindergarten at the time) for recommendations of books that could help me on this mission. She shared so many wonderful suggestions! I started to collect books and other ideas to use with my oldest (and his four younger brothers).

When I had young learners, I found that hands-on projects and activities were the best ways to reinforce concepts presented in books. This handprint dove craft was one of my favorite ways to talk about peace for everyday life and teaching about special holidays, like:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Easter
• Juneteenth
• Hanukah
• Christmas
• Kwanzaa

Suggested Supplies to Make This Handprint Craft

This simple handprint craft calls for only 3 materials. I'm also sharing some ideas for adding extras to customize or enjoying as mess-free as possible, so scroll down for those tips.

I recommend having these supplies ready to go so you'll be able to jump into craft fun with kids:

• Construction Paper
• White Paint
• Paintbrush
• Green and Black Marker

For a mess-free version of this project, I suggest using tempera paint sticks (like Kwik Stix). These art supplies make it easy to keep the colors in one place (and not dripping all over).

Also, you can use paint or Kwik Stix to add the green leaves using finger or thumbprints. An easy way to customize your craft!

If your students like a bit of glitter, consider using white glitter paint (or adding a bit of glitter to your paint prior to applying). The sparkly effect can be soothing and peaceful!

How to Make This Handprint Dove Craft

01

Paint hand

Paint the child’s hand with white paint.

02

Make handprint

With fingers slightly spread and thumb off to the side, stamp handprint on paper. Allow the paint to dry.

03

Add details

Using the marker, draw an upside-down m shape where the wing would be.

Draw a dot for the eye and a triangle for the beak on the thumb. Draw a curvy line for the olive branch coming from the beak.

Draw several leaves using the green marker. Draw a black line down each leaf with the black marker.

Fun options for your handprint dove craft:

• Use a pencil and lightly trace (or use dotted lines) to write the word "Peace". Let your student trace the lines with a marker.
• In place of marker, use stamp pad or paint and have your child use a fingerprints or thumbprints for the leaves.

Creative Ideas for Making and Using This Dove Craft

The example shows light blue construction paper for the sky as background for your dove craft. You can go with that look OR allow your children to pick whatever color they would like (except white - would ve very hard to see the handprint!).

Try having your students keep their fingers together or apart prior to placing their hand on the paper if you'd like a different look. Googly eyes (or puffy paint for eyes) on your dove can add in neat effect.

If you'd like a frame effect, use washi tape. It's easy to apply and move around, if necessary. Plus, it comes in so many different colors, patterns, and textures.

Oh, and don't forget to add your child's name and date of when the craft was made! It's nice to be able to look back and see their work - and how big their hand gets.

Display your handprint dove crafts on windows, walls, hallways, doors, and refrigerators. Make extras to share with family and friends to spread the message of peace.

More Ways to Learn About Doves and Peace

I have found that books are powerful ways to teach children about abstract concepts like peace. These tools are fantastic conversation starters with their visual examples and storytelling. Here are a few of our top picks with themes of peace:

I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness (I Am Books)The Peace BookA Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Picture Book Biography)The Story of Martin Luther King Jr.: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies)The Story of HanukkahAmazing Peace: A Christmas Poem

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