Table of Contents Show
Fingerprint bauble cards are one of the simplest and most heartwarming crafts to make during the holidays. They’re personal, colorful, and perfectly imperfect—each card carries a unique fingerprint pattern that turns into a cheerful Christmas bauble.
This is a great family craft, especially for kids who love to get a little messy and creative.
These cards make wonderful gifts for teachers, grandparents, or friends, and they double as keepsakes that capture a tiny moment in time.
How to Make Fingerprint Bauble Cards
Whether you go traditional with red and green or bright and modern with blues and golds, each card becomes a mini piece of festive art.
Materials
- Blank white cardstock or folded cards
- Washable paint or ink pads (red, green, gold, silver, blue)
- Small paintbrush or cotton swab
- Fine-tip black marker or pen
- Baby wipes or a damp cloth for cleanup
- Small stickers, sequins, or glitter glue (optional for decoration)
- Envelopes for gifting or mailing
Shop the materials
The steps
Step 1: Set Up Your Work Area
Lay out your cards on a flat surface and cover them with old newspaper or parchment paper. Have your paints ready in small dabs on a plate or palette.
Make sure everyone has clean, dry hands to start—this helps the fingerprints come out clear and crisp.
Step 2: Create the Baubles
Dip a fingertip lightly into the paint and press it gently onto the front of the card. Try to keep the prints spaced out evenly, as each one will be a separate bauble.
Mix colors for variety—classic red and green look festive, but metallics like gold and silver add extra sparkle. Let the paint dry before adding more prints if you want to overlap them slightly for a layered look.
Step 3: Add Strings and Hooks
Once the paint is completely dry, use a fine-tip black pen or marker to draw a small loop or hook at the top of each fingerprint.
Then draw a thin line connecting it to the top edge of the card to create the appearance of hanging baubles. For a neater effect, you can use a ruler to keep the lines straight.
Step 4: Decorate Each Bauble
Turn your fingerprints into mini ornaments! Add tiny white dots, stars, or snowflake patterns with a paintbrush or white pen. You can also use glitter glue, sequins, or stickers to embellish the baubles.
Encourage kids to personalize their designs—some could add stripes or polka dots while others paint names or initials.
Step 5: Add a Festive Message
Write your greeting inside the card—something simple like “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays,” or “Made with Love.”
For younger kids, you can help them sign their names or stamp their thumbprints again as a fun signature at the bottom.
Step 6: Optional 3D Touches
If you want to make your cards stand out, glue small bows made from string or ribbon above each bauble. You can also cut out small paper stars or snowflakes to decorate the background. Just keep the design balanced so the fingerprints remain the main focus.
Step 7: Dry and Share
Allow the cards to dry fully before folding or placing them in envelopes. Stack them carefully so the paint or glue doesn’t smudge.
Once ready, hand-deliver or mail them to loved ones—they’ll be touched to receive something handmade and heartfelt.
