Looking for drawing ideas for kids? Then check out these fun fingerprint art easy drawings that feature Ed Emberley’s Funprint Fingerprint Art book. The drawing frames paired with the start of a fingerprint are a great way to inspire kids to become more artistic.
Some kids are lucky enough to have an innate ability to draw while others need some guidance. Fingerprint art is a fun drawing activity that can be enjoyed by beginners and even experienced artists.
Kids don’t have to know how to draw a perfect circle because their fingerprint serves as the best base. Plus which child doesn’t like using stamps to make fingerprints on paper?
This is a fun way to have kids of all ages use their own fingerprints to create custom fingerprint art!
This post was originally published in March 2016.
Fingerprint Art
We love using drawing books as an after-school quiet time activity. See my favorite Step By Step Drawing Books For Kids.
My kids and I love Ed Emberley’s drawing books. The step-by-step drawing instructions teaches kids that drawings are made up of a few different shapes, and if you can make those shapes, you can create any drawing.
We aren’t naturally great at drawing but it is something that all of us want to do, and Ed Emberley’s books have us off to a great start.
We want to draw and create these adorable pictures and a major plus is that art is so soothing for our mind and body.
The fingerprint part of each picture sets the perfect base for creation and I truly believe this is the perfect book to teach kids how to draw. Besides the children, I love using Ed Emberley’s books too. I often sit with one of his drawing books while the kids are doing homework.
This lets me be close to them so if they need help with homework I am right there and it also lets this time be a very peaceful and soothing time mentally too.
The fingerprint art book teaches children:
- How to draw motions like walking, jumping, singing and more.
- How to draw emotions like happy, sad, worried, etc.
- How to draw insects, animals, flowers, cars, and more!
Materials Required:
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- Stamp pad (That one is my favorite stamp pad for kids. I also have this one for more colors. I have the one that includes the dabbers.)
- Ed Emberley’s Funprint Fingerprint Art book
- Sharpie ultra fine point pens
- Printable drawing frames (found at the bottom of this post.)
- * Dabbers (These are optional. I prefer fingers but if you have a child who doesn’t enjoy getting their fingers messy you can use these dabbers instead. My kids use these sometimes too.)
While you are at it, I honestly recommend you buy all of Ed Emberley’s drawing books. I started by buying 2-3 and then immediately went ahead and purchased 3 more. I promise you that these books will be used for years and years!
Check out our how to draw series to advance from fingerprint art.
Drawing Ideas
First, we used the printable drawing frames. These drawing frames are so versatile and can be used for any other type of art project too.
The fingerprint art book includes step-by-step drawing steps once the fingerprint stamp is dry. I love that the fingerprint art makes drawing for children less daunting. It can be overwhelming for a child to feel like their circle isn’t perfect or that your picture looks prettier than theirs.
I think it is a great way to get kids started on drawing. Whether you are looking for drawing ideas for 10 year olds or 2 year olds… This is the best start.
The kids first made a few different fingerprints in each frame using different colors from our stamp pad. We then waited for the stamp to dry (almost immediately).
Then we started the drawing process using our extra fine sharpie pens. We went in order from the first page of the week.
Drawing for children will now look easier.
Pictured above is my 10 year old’s drawing.
The picture above is my 7 year olds drawing.
My drawings can be seen here. As you can see…. once I got started I never wanted to stop.
You can get the supplies needed below. (You will reuse these items over and over again in your home.)
Fun Ideas for Fingerprint Art Projects
Kids today love making fun fingerprint art ideas and sharing them with family and friends. From preschoolers to kindergarteners, fingerprint crafts and thumbprint art ideas are perfect for little learners to make great gift ideas, too!
Not only can toddlers make their best fingerprint creations, but it’s so much fun to use this fun handprint art to showcase a piece of art, too.
Using this fun thumbprint art idea to launch off and make more craft ideas and creativity is what it’s all about. See if the kids can make fingerprint holiday cards, a Christmas tree thumbprint art card, or even a fun Mother’s Day card or Valentine’s Day card, too!
This would also be great for a birthday party to see if you can find out a way for the kids to make fingerprint animals. See how easy it is to pivot and make an all-new fun craft project or new and unique kids art?
Drawing Frames
You do not need drawing frames for this activity, but they are definitely a fun addition. I print out 10 pages and then leave them in my kids craft table drawer. The kids can then reach for them to create fun drawings of scenery, characters and more. You can also create your own drawing prompts with the frames.
Get the printable drawing frames here
Get the Directed Drawing Guide and Worksheets Here
More Fingerprint Art Activities:
- Alphabet Fingerprints (Easy Peasy Fun)
- Fingerprint Flowers (Ishtar Olivera)
- More drawing prompt ideas
More fun painting ideas and activities
- Easy Skittles Rainbow
- Shaving Cream Painting
- Create a home Art Cart
- Rainbow Raised Salt Painting
- Create a kids playroom
What are your favorite drawing ideas for kids?
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