Finger Paint Picture Frame: A Last-Minute Father's Day Gift

A child’s finger-painted masterpiece looks even better in a frame, and Dad can keep it on his desk at the office. Painting the artwork and decorating the frame together turns one afternoon into a gift that is ready to hand over.

This finger paint picture frame has two parts. First the child paints a picture with fingers and hands. Then a plain frame is decorated and the dry artwork goes inside. Both parts can be done in one day, so it works when Father’s Day is close.

What do you need to make a finger paint picture frame?

Keep the supply list simple:

Washable finger paints in a few colors
Thick paper or white cardstock for the artwork
A plain frame, either wood or cardboard, that fits the paper
Craft glue and a paintbrush
Small decorations such as buttons, foam shapes or stickers
Newspaper or a plastic tablecloth, plus wipes or a damp cloth

Pick a frame with a flat surface. Flat frames are easier to paint and decorate than ornate ones. Choose the frame size first, then cut the paper to fit the opening. Check the back of the frame to see how large the artwork can be.

How do you make it?

Cover the table with newspaper and put an apron or old shirt on the artist.
Put a little paint on a paper plate. Let the child make prints and swirls on the cardstock with fingers, thumbs or the whole hand.
Set the artwork somewhere flat to dry fully. Wet paint will stick to the glass.
While it dries, decorate the frame. Paint it with finger paint, or glue on buttons or foam shapes. Fingerprints around the edge make a nice border.
Let the frame dry, then trim the artwork to fit if needed.
Put the artwork in the frame and close the back.

Hot glue is not needed here. If you use it for heavier decorations, an adult should handle it. Keep buttons and other small pieces away from children under three.

What should the artwork look like?

There are no wrong answers with finger paint. Simple ideas work well, and a few are below:

A rainbow of thumbprint dots
A handprint turned into a flower, a bird or a tree
Swirls in Dad’s favorite colors, such as his team’s colors
A fingerprint scene with a few lines drawn on top once the paint is dry

Write the child’s name and the date on the back of the paper. Dad will probably want to keep the piece for years, and the note makes it more of a keepsake.

Can you make it faster?

Yes. If time is short, use heavier paper and a thin layer of paint, since thick paint takes longer to dry. Skip decorating the frame and use a ready-made one instead. A hair dryer on a low, cool setting can speed up drying, but an adult should run it. Let the paint dry completely before framing.

How can you give it?

Wrap the frame in tissue paper, or tuck a short card with a message from the child behind the glass. A frame like this fits well in an office, so it makes a good gift for a dad, a grandpa or an uncle.

Several children can each paint a piece, and the frames can be hung together. Siblings can share one large frame with a collage of their work.