Handprint crafts are such a fun way to celebrate the holidays! This handprint American flag is easy and fun to make and can be turned into a flag for any parade or 4th of July celebration. Kids will love seeing their hands turned into this patriotic craft and you can take the finished product to any firework show.

This craft is better for toddlers, preschoolers or school aged kids who will be able to hold still as you paint their hand. They can help paint on the stars too!

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Flag handprint on a light blue piece of paper on a blue background.

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Why kids love handprint art projects:

Handprint art projects are good for any age of child from babies to elementary age.
Handprint art is easy and always turns out adorable!
Getting your hand painted is fun.

Child's hand painted with red and white stripes and a blue area to make an American flag.

Supplies for This Craft

Red, white and blue paint. Some people prefer acrylic, I like the Crayola washable paint because of how easily it comes off and because it’s super affordable.
Sponge paint brushes. I use one per color so it’s faster!
Light blue cardstock or construction paper.
Tape
Straw or dowel rod

Handprint made from red, white and blue paint to make an American flag. A paintbrush being used to add white dots as stars.

How to Make a Handprint Flag:

Start by painting your child’s hand with blue around the thumb, and then red and white stripes. You’ll probably need to add a bit more blue after doing the stripes when it’s wet.
Stamp it on a piece of light blue cardstock or construction paper. If your child is old enough, they can also help with this craft by painting their own hand.
After the handprint has fully dried, add white dots to make the stars on the flag.
Allow dry time again, then you can use it as a card or cut out.

Handprint cut out on blue paper with a dowel rod taped to the bck.

Make a Flag from your Handprint

To turn this craft into a flag, tape a dowel rod or straw to the back of the cut out handprint.

Tips:

This project takes about 15 minutes plus dry time for the handprint. While it dries, read a 4th of July book or start another Independence Day paint project!
To get a strong handprint impression, press down on each individual finger before pulling the hand up.
For best results, avoid white, darker blue or red paper as the background.
Keep a wet wipe handy for cleanup!

3 American flags made from a child's handprint with red, white and blue paint on a blue background.

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Make a handprint American flag with your kiddos for this fourth of July!

Cost $5

Yield 1 craft

Prep 5

Drying Time 15

Cook 10

Supplies

Instructions

Start by painting your child’s hand with blue around the thumb, and then red and white stripes. You'll probably need to add a bit more blue after doing the stripes when it's wet.
Stamp it on a piece of light blue cardstock or construction paper. If your child is old enough, they can also help with this craft by painting their own hand.
After the handprint has fully dried, add white dots to make the stars on the flag.
Allow dry time again, then you can use it as a card or cut out.
To turn the handprint into a flag, tape the dowel rod to the back of the handprint.

Equipment

1 pair of scissors

3 sponge paint brushes

Handprint American Flag