Halloween Marathon #5 Spider-ettes

It has been two years since little fingers this delicate - "spidery," you might even say - have been part of the family! What to do with those teeny tiny digits is for me, a no-brainer! Two pairs of hands won't fit inside an 8" x 10" frame forever you know! My twin girl grandbabies are one month old today. Halloween is approaching. I have non-toxic black craft paint, a frame and a double mat I cut myself from scrapbook paper. I also bring hard-earned, hands-on experience to the printing table. Through trial and squirming error I know that there are ideal age ranges for projects of this type. Our current "snug little baby in a burrito" stage is one of them. The self-confident but compliant two-to-four year old "I-know-exactly-how-to-do-this-because-grandma-taught-me-'ages ago'" is another. Good luck with everything in between!*

I want to mention that Pinterest abounds with spiders like this. And I always try to be considerate and conscientious about giving proper credit when I use an idea that's not my own. However, the situation gets a little complex when I remember that 20 years ago my daughters had their hands printed this way in pre-school. I think, for a long time, creative elementary teachers have been working out seasonal variations of the timeless Kindergarten turkey that I myself proudly made and brought home many, many autumn moons ago! So, if you opt to pin my twin baby "spider-ettes" you are certainly welcome to, with the understanding that the idea has been shared and enjoyed by doting parents and clever teachers for a long, long time! And how do I know this? Because I'm a grandma, that's why!

I can't emphasize enough how much the mommies of my grandchildren appreciate the effort that goes into the printed capture of busy little hands and feet. This year, the girls were delighted to bring out the framed ghost feet I made for them last year and observe the evident growth of their children. I am so glad that I bothered with the momentary mess and wiggling little bodies. That's why I'll be back every year to do more of the same!








* I'm not recommending that you pass by the adorable six month-to-two year age stage and an opportunity to create a cherished family keepsake. I'm just saying that you will need several (strong) people to assist you, a stack - not a sheet! - of paper to print on and not only NASA issued clothing but a room full of furniture and accessories that don't mind being "fingerprinted." Oh, and paper towels! LOTS of paper towels...and soap! Several bars! Maybe some candy too, to use as a bribe. And never attempt this project right before nap time! Wait until after. No, never mind! Too much energy! Oh, I don't know! Can you manage to print while the little cherub is asleep?

Eensy-weensy spiders...two of  'em! ...and both conveniently at the age where grandma decides where to put the paint, not the "baby spiders" themselves!

Ava, at left, and Angeline nap contentedly after their very first crafting session! xxxoooxxx